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Metabolic
Universal
Glycolysis
The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.
Overview
Glycolysis is a central metabolic pathway found in nearly all living organisms. It converts one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, generating a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH molecules. The pathway consists of 10 enzymatic steps divided into two phases: the energy investment phase (steps 1–5) and the energy payoff phase (steps 6–10). Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen, making it essential for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
Cellular Location
Cytoplasm
Clinical Significance
Primary pathway for glucose catabolism; provides substrates for the citric acid cycle and fermentation; dysregulated in cancer cells (Warburg effect).