Chapter 17

Glycolysis

A sequence of enzyme-catalyzed reactions converting glucose into pyruvate, capturing energy in the form of ATP and NADH.

Glucose

A versatile biochemical precursor used by organisms to meet energy needs and synthesize various biomolecules.

Hexokinase

An enzyme catalyzing the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, a regulatory step in glycolysis.

Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1)

An enzyme catalyzing the irreversible phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-biphosphate, a committed step in glycolysis.

Pyruvate Kinase

An enzyme catalyzing the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate, a key regulatory step in glycolysis.

Allosteric Regulation

Control of enzyme activity by molecules binding to sites other than the active site, affecting glycolytic enzymes like hexokinase, PFK-1, and pyruvate kinase.

Galactosemia

A disorder caused by the inability to convert galactose to glucose, leading to high blood galactose levels and severe symptoms.

Lactate Dehydrogenase

An enzyme catalyzing the conversion of pyruvate to lactate in anaerobic conditions, such as during intense exercise.

Ethanol Production

Conversion of pyruvate to ethanol in yeast, requiring specific coenzymes and leading to NAD+ recycling.

NAD+ Recycling

Essential process in glycolysis to regenerate NAD+ for continued energy production, crucial for sustaining metabolic pathways.