Yes, glycolysis does produce ATP. According to the reference, two molecules of ATP are produced for each molecule of glucose that enters the glycolysis pathway.
ATP Production in Glycolysis
Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, and in the process, generates ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy currency of the cell. The reference explicitly states that two molecules of ATP are produced for each glucose molecule. This ATP production occurs through substrate-level phosphorylation.
Net ATP Gain
It's crucial to note that while glycolysis produces ATP, it also consumes ATP in its early stages. However, the overall outcome is a net gain of ATP.
| Stage of Glycolysis | ATP Produced | ATP Consumed |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Phase | 0 | 2 |
| Payoff Phase | 4 | 0 |
| Net | 4 | 2 |
| Net Gain | 2 |
Therefore, the net ATP production in glycolysis is two ATP molecules per glucose molecule. The reference also mentions that two molecules of NADH are produced.
