Glucose is primarily broken down through a process called glycolysis.
Here's a breakdown of how it happens, based on the provided reference:
Glycolysis is the initial stage of glucose breakdown and it occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. Here's how it works:
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Initial Investment: The process starts with a glucose molecule (containing six carbon atoms). To kickstart the process, two molecules of ATP are used (hydrolyzed) to provide the necessary energy.
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Splitting the Sugar: The glucose molecule is then broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. Each pyruvate molecule contains three carbon atoms. So the six-carbon glucose molecule is split into two three-carbon pyruvate molecules.
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Energy Production: While the early steps require an investment of ATP, later steps generate ATP. In fact, four molecules of ATP are produced for each molecule of glucose that undergoes glycolysis.
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Net Gain: Because two ATP molecules were initially used and four are produced, there is a net gain of two ATP molecules per glucose molecule during glycolysis.
In summary, glycolysis converts one glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules, resulting in a net gain of two ATP molecules.
| Step | Description | ATP Consumed | ATP Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | 2 ATP molecules are hydrolyzed to provide energy. | 2 | 0 |
| Glucose to 2 Pyruvate | Glucose molecule is broken down into two pyruvate molecules. | 0 | 4 |
| Net Result | Conversion of glucose to pyruvate with a net production of ATP molecules. | 2 | 4 |
