Please could someone explain Glycolysis
? I understand it involves cellular respiration, i believe it is the first step. I understand it uses gluscoes and pyrucate. I do not know what either of these words are. Thank You!
look it up on wikipedia is helped me a lot last year
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycolysis
If you mean glucose and pyruvate -- these sites should help you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucose
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&defl=en&q=define:Pyruvate&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title
I thank you very much!
Yes thank you again Madame!
You're very welcome, Margarette! Good luck with AP Biology! :-)
Sure, I'd be happy to explain glycolysis!
Glycolysis is indeed the first step in cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells convert glucose (a type of sugar) into usable energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Glycolysis involves breaking down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, which can then be used in subsequent steps of cellular respiration to generate ATP.
Let's explain the process step by step:
1. Glucose is taken into the cell from the surrounding environment. Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for cells.
2. The first step of glycolysis involves the "investment" of two ATP molecules. These ATP molecules are used to activate glucose, making it easier to break down.
3. After the initial activation, glucose is split into two smaller molecules called glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. Each molecule of glucose produces two molecules of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate.
4. Next, the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate molecules are further converted into molecules called 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate. During this conversion, energy is extracted, and two NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) molecules are produced, which will later contribute to ATP production.
5. 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is rearranged to form 3-phosphoglycerate. In this process, a high-energy phosphate group is transferred to ADP, generating two ATP molecules.
6. The 3-phosphoglycerate is converted into 2-phosphoglycerate.
7. The 2-phosphoglycerate is further converted into phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), releasing a molecule of water in the process.
8. Finally, PEP is converted into pyruvate, and another two molecules of ATP are produced.
Overall, glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of cells and does not require oxygen (anaerobic process). It is a universal metabolic pathway that occurs in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Regarding your question about the terms "glucose" and "pyruvate":
- Glucose: Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that serves as the primary fuel for cellular respiration. It is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
- Pyruvate: Pyruvate is a three-carbon molecule that is formed from glucose during the process of glycolysis. It is a crucial intermediate compound that can either enter the citric acid cycle (if oxygen is available) or undergo fermentation (if oxygen is limited).
I hope this explanation helps clarify the process of glycolysis and the terms involved! Let me know if you have any more questions.