Glycolysis: phosphorylation of glucose to glucose phosphate using ATP; production of triose phosphate; oxidation of triose phosphate to pyruvate with a net gain of ATP and reduced NAD
Glycolysis splits glucose into two smaller molecules called pyruvate. The cell spends a little ATP to start the process, then gains more ATP back — along with an energy-carrying molecule called reduced NAD.
Formula
Glucose + 2 ATP + 2 NAD → 2 Pyruvate + 4 ATP + 2 Reduced NAD
Real World
Brewing company BrewDog relies on yeast cells performing glycolysis to split glucose into pyruvate — the essential first step before fermentation produces the ethanol in their Punk IPA.
Exam Focus
Specify 'net gain of 2 ATP' not '4 ATP produced' — examiners expect you to account for the 2 ATP invested.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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