50 Fascinating Glycolysis Facts: A Detailed Biochemical Journey

Embark on an illuminating voyage into the realm of biochemistry as we unveil 50 captivating facts about glycolysis, a fundamental metabolic pathway that plays a pivotal role in converting glucose into pyruvate. This comprehensive guide is meticulously crafted to provide you with quick review notes, empowering you with a profound understanding of the processes involved in glycolysis, whether for academic excellence or professional growth.

50+ Facts About Glycolysis (Q&A Format) - Biochemistry Review (Quick Review Notes)

by Elizabeth Kerian

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	173 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

An Overview of Glycolysis

• Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm of cells.
• It involves the breakdown of one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate.
• The overall reaction of glycolysis can be summarized as follows: C6H12O6 + 2 NAD+ + 2 ADP + 2 Pi -> 2 C3H4O3 + 2 NADH + 2 H+ + 2 ATP + 2 H2O
• Glycolysis is an anaerobic process, meaning that it does not require oxygen.
• The products of glycolysis can be used to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation or fermentation.

The 10 Key Steps of Glycolysis

1. Phosphorylation of glucose: Glucose is phosphorylated by hexokinase to form glucose-6-phosphate.
2. Isomerization of glucose-6-phosphate: Glucose-6-phosphate is isomerized to fructose-6-phosphate.
3. Phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate: Fructose-6-phosphate is phosphorylated by phosphofructokinase-1 to form fructose-1,6-bisphosphate.
4. Cleavage of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is cleaved by aldolase to form glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate.
5. Isomerization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate: Dihydroxyacetone phosphate is isomerized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate.
6. Oxidation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate: Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate is oxidized by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase to form 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate.
7. Phosphorylation of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate: 1,3-Bisphosphoglycerate is phosphorylated by phosphoglycerate kinase to form 3-phosphoglycerate.
8. Isomerization of 3-phosphoglycerate: 3-Phosphoglycerate is isomerized to 2-phosphoglycerate.
9. Dehydration of 2-phosphoglycerate: 2-Phosphoglycerate is dehydrated by enolase to form phosphoenolpyruvate.
10. Phosphorylation of phosphoenolpyruvate: Phosphoenolpyruvate is phosphorylated by pyruvate kinase to form pyruvate.

The Net Yield of Glycolysis

• The net yield of glycolysis is 2 molecules of ATP, 2 molecules of NADH, and 2 molecules of pyruvate.
• The ATP generated by glycolysis is used to fuel cellular processes, such as muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.
• The NADH generated by glycolysis is used to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
• The pyruvate generated by glycolysis can be used to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation or fermentation.

The Regulation of Glycolysis

• Glycolysis is regulated by a number of factors, including the availability of glucose, the levels of ATP and NADH, and the activity of key enzymes.
• The availability of glucose is the most important factor regulating glycolysis.
• When glucose levels are high, glycolysis is stimulated.
• When glucose levels are low, glycolysis is inhibited.
• The levels of ATP and NADH also regulate glycolysis.
• When ATP levels are high, glycolysis is inhibited.
• When NADH levels are high, glycolysis is inhibited.
• The activity of key enzymes also regulates glycolysis.
• Hexokinase, phosphofructokinase-1, and pyruvate kinase are the three key enzymes that regulate glycolysis.
• These enzymes are allosterically regulated by a number of factors, including the availability of glucose, ATP, and NADH.

The Importance of Glycolysis

• Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that is essential for life.
• It provides the cells with the energy they need to function.
• It also provides the cells with the building blocks they need to synthesize new molecules.
• Glycolysis is a complex and highly regulated

50+ Facts About Glycolysis (Q&A Format) - Biochemistry Review (Quick Review Notes)

by Elizabeth Kerian

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	173 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE