noun
- the metabolic process in which glucose is broken down into pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP and NADH
Usage: biochemistry term; occurs in the cytoplasm of cells; first stage of cellular respiration
Examples
- Glycolysis is the primary pathway for glucose metabolism in most cells.
- During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate.
- The process of glycolysis does not require oxygen and can occur in anaerobic conditions.
- Students studying cellular respiration learn that glycolysis is the first major step in energy production.
- Glycolysis generates a net gain of two ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
- Cancer cells often rely heavily on glycolysis for energy, even in the presence of oxygen.