ADP (adenosine diphosphate) is not the product of glycolysis, but it is involved in the process. Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, and during this process, ADP is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This conversion is a key step in generating energy for the cell.
Here's how ADP is involved in glycolysis:
- Energy Investment Phase: Two ATP molecules are used to phosphorylate glucose, converting it into fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. This step utilizes two ADP molecules.
- Energy Payoff Phase: Four ATP molecules are produced through substrate-level phosphorylation, with two ADP molecules being converted into ATP.
Therefore, ADP is a reactant in glycolysis, not a product. It is essential for the production of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.
