The end products of glycolysis are two pyruvate molecules, four ATP molecules (net gain of two), and two NADH molecules.
Glycolysis End Products Explained
Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. Here's a breakdown of the end products:
- Pyruvate: Two molecules of pyruvate (pyruvic acid) are produced from each glucose molecule. These pyruvate molecules can then enter the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) under aerobic conditions or undergo fermentation under anaerobic conditions.
- ATP: Glycolysis produces a total of four ATP molecules. However, two ATP molecules are consumed during the initial steps of glycolysis. Therefore, the net gain is two ATP molecules. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell.
- NADH: Two molecules of NADH are produced. NADH is a coenzyme that carries high-energy electrons. These electrons can be used to generate more ATP via the electron transport chain, if oxygen is present.
According to the reference, "Glycolysis starts with one molecule of glucose and ends with two pyruvate (pyruvic acid) molecules, a total of four ATP molecules, and two molecules of NADH."
Here's a summary in table format:
| End Product | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Pyruvate | 2 molecules | Enters Krebs cycle or fermentation |
| ATP (Net Gain) | 2 molecules | Provides cellular energy |
| NADH | 2 molecules | Carries high-energy electrons for ATP production |
