Glycolysis Explained: Steps, Pathway, and Energetics of Glucose Breakdown
Explain glycolysis in detail with its energetics.
Answer.
Glycolysis Definition
The oxidation of glucose to pyruvate and lactate is called glycolysis
Characteristic Features Of Glycolysis
- It is meant for the provision of energy
- It is also called the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway
- It occurs in all the tissues
- Erythrocytes and the brain derive energy mainly from glycolysis.
- It can take place in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Glycolysis Pathway: Step-by-Step Breakdown of Glucose
- Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell
- It is important in skeletal muscles as glycolysis provides ATP even in the absence of oxygen, hence muscles can survive anoxic episodes
- In fast-growing cancer cells, the rate of glycolysis is very high, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid, causing acidosis. The local acidic environment is helpful in cancer therapy
- Deficiency of certain enzymes (hexokinase and pyruvate kinase) of glycolysis can cause haemolytic anaemia.
Glycolysis Explained: Steps, Pathway, and Energetics of Glucose Breakdown
Reactions Of Glycolysis
- Glucose is freely permeable to liver cells
- In the intestinal mucosa and kidney tubules, glucose is taken up by active transport
- In other tissues such as skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle, diaphragm, and adipose tissue, insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose
- In aerobic conditions, glucose is oxidized to pyruvic acid, and in anaerobic conditions, it is oxidized to lactic acid.
Glycolysis Steps: Overview of Glucose to Pyruvate Conversion
Glycolysis Pathway: Enzymes and Reactions in Glucose Breakdown
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