Glycolysis is a metabolic process that occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is the first step in cellular respiration. This process is essential for the generation of ATP, which provides the energy required for various cellular functions. Glycolysis begins with the breakdown of glucose into two pyruvate molecules, producing a net of two ATP molecules and two NADH molecules.
The process of glycolysis consists of ten enzymatic reactions, each catalyzed by a specific enzyme. These reactions involve the conversion of glucose to pyruvate through a series of intermediate steps. The process also involves the utilization of various enzymes and co-factors, such as ATP, NAD+, and ADP.
One of the key features of glycolysis is its ability to...