Glycolysis which steps occur in the cytoplasm of the cell

Answer these questions concerning the steps involved in glycolysis. Which steps occur in the cytoplasm of the cell? Which steps produce the most carbon dioxide? Which steps produce ATP? Name the end product in this branched metabolic pathway. Tell how many carbon atoms are present in glucose and in pyruvate.

Solution

1) All steps of glycolysis occur in cytoplasm of cell.

2) None of the steps produce carbon dioxide. Glycolysis is conversion of one molecule of glucose to two molecules of pyruvate. Glucose has 6 carbon atoms. Pyruvate molecule has 3 carbon atoms. Since each glucose molecule generates two pyruvate molecules, there is no loss of carbons in the form of CO2.

3) There are two steps in which ATP is produced. Each of tjhem produce one ATP. The first one is catalyzed by Phosphoglycerate kinase which converts 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to 3-phosphoglycerate. The second ATP generating step is catalyzed by Pyruvate kinase which converts phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate.

4) End product of glycolysis is pyruvate.

5) Glucose has 6 carbon atoms. Pyruvate molecule has 3 carbon atoms.