Describe the process of glycolysis

Glycolysis is the first of four steps in cellular respiration, and involves the breakdown of one glucose molecule into two molecules of pyruvate. A 6C glucose molecule is first phosphorylated, using the phosphate from two molecules of ATP, to form hexose bisphosphate. Hexose bisphosphate splits into two molecules of triose phosphate, each of which are then oxidised to pyruvate. This oxidation step involves the removal of hydrogen atoms and phosphate groups from the triose phosphate, producing reduced NAD (NADH) and two molecules of ATP, respectively. As there are two triose phosphate molecules in total, a net gain of two ATP molecules and two NADH molecules is seen. In anaerobic respiration, respiration ceases at this point, with an overall gain of two ATP molecules. However, in aerobic respiration, the pyruvate and NADH molecules can pass out of the cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix, where they can be further involved in the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain. 

GC
Answered by Georgia C. Biology tutor

20158 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Vaccines have become an effective way to prevent certain diseases, however for some viruses it is difficult to develop a vaccine. Describe possible difficulties of developing a permanent vaccine for the influenza virus.


Describe the process of DNA transcription:


Describe how the sequence of bases in a DNA molecule would be used to form the primary structure of a protein.


Describe the stages in DNA transcription and translation


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences