Principles of Biochemistry

3.5.1 Glycolysis

3.Glycolysis or Embden- Meyerhoff Pathway is the major pathway for the utilization of glucose for the production of energy and is found in the cytosol of all cells. Glycolysis can function under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Glucose is converted in to two molecules of pyruvate, chemical energy in the form of ATP is produced, and NADH- reduced coenzymes are produced.

           Glucose + 2ADP + 2Pi + 2NAD⁺ → 2Pyruvate + 2ATP + 2NADH + 2H⁺ + 2 H₂O

 This metabolic pathway takes place in almost all cells. All of the enzymes of the glycolysis pathway are found in the extramitochondrial soluble fraction of the cell, the cytosol. They catalyze the reactions under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.  

The over all reactions of glycolytic reactions are presented in below.

Glycolysis

Anaerobic condition

Glucose → Pyruvate → Lactic acid

Aerobic condition

Pyruvate → CO₂ + H₂O

Glycolysis is a ten step process in which every step is enzyme catalyzed. Details of individual steps with in the glycolytic pathway are now considered.