Commentary - Journal of Cell Biology and Metabolism (2024) Volume 6, Issue 4

Glycolysis: The Foundation of Cellular Energy Production

Department of Animal Physiology and Animal Health, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary.

*Corresponding Author:

Atila Zarnovszky
Department of Animal Physiology and Animal Health
Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary.
E-mail: Zsarnszky@mkk.szie.hu

Received: 04-Aug-2024, Manuscript No. AACBM-24-144833; Editor assigned: 06-Aug-2024, PreQC No. AACBM-24-1448335(PQ); Reviewed: 20-Aug-2024, QC No AACBM-24-1448335; Revised: 22-Aug-2024, Manuscript No. AACBM-24-1448335(R); Published: 28-Aug-2024, DOI:10.35841/aacbm-6.4.222

Citation: Zarnovszky A. Glycolysis: The foundation of cellular energy production. J Cell Biol Metab. 2024;6(4):222.

Introduction

Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that plays a pivotal role in cellular energy production. It is the process through which glucose, a six-carbon sugar, is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, a three-carbon compound. This pathway not only provides the initial step in glucose metabolism but also generates key energy carriers that fuel further cellular processes. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of glycolysis, its stages, and its significance in cellular metabolism [1].

Glycolysis is a series of ten enzyme-catalyzed reactions that occur in the cytoplasm of all cells. It does not require oxygen and can take place under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The primary purpose of glycolysis is to convert glucose into pyruvate, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in the process [2].

Glucose is phosphorylated by the enzyme hexokinase (or glucokinase in the liver), using one molecule of ATP to form glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). This step traps glucose inside the cell and prepares it for further breakdown.

Fructose-6-phosphate is phosphorylated by phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) using another ATP molecule to form fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP). This step is a major regulatory point in glycolysis [3].

Dihydroxyacetone phosphate is converted into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate by the enzyme triose phosphate isomerase, resulting in two molecules of G3P.

Each glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate molecule is oxidized by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, producing 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) and generating one NADH per G3P molecule [4].

Phosphoenolpyruvate is converted into pyruvate by pyruvate kinase, producing one ATP per PEP molecule through substrate-level phosphorylation. these are further processed in the citric acid cycle or converted into lactate or ethanol in anaerobic conditions [5].

These are generated through substrate-level phosphorylation, providing immediate energy for cellular activities.

These electron carriers are used in oxidative phosphorylation to produce additional ATP in aerobic conditions. glycolysis is tightly regulated to ensure that it meets the cellular energy demands [6].

It provides a quick source of ATP, especially important for cells that require rapid energy, such as muscle cells during intense exercise.

Glycolysis produces intermediates that are used in other metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids [7].

In the absence of oxygen, glycolysis is essential for generating ATP through fermentation pathways, such as lactic acid fermentation in muscles or alcoholic fermentation in yeast [8].

Conditions like von Gierke’s disease involve deficiencies in enzymes related to glycogen metabolism, affecting glucose availability and glycolytic flux [9].

Many cancer cells exhibit altered glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect, where they rely more on glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen [10].

Conclusion

Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that provides the initial breakdown of glucose, yielding vital energy and intermediates for cellular processes. Its regulation and function are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and adapting to varying energy demands. As research continues to explore the complexities of glycolysis, it enhances our understanding of both normal cellular function and the pathophysiology of various diseases.

References

1. TeSlaa T, Teitell MA. Techniques to monitor glycolysis. Methods  Enzymol. 2014;542:91-114.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

2. Boiteux A, Hess B. Design of glycolysis. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Biol Sci. 1981;293(1063):5-22.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

3. Brooks GA. What does glycolysis make and why is it important?. J Appl Physiol. 2010;108(6):1450-1.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

4. Plaxton WC. The organization and regulation of plant glycolysis. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 1996;47(1):185-214.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

5. Lunt SY, Vander Heiden MG. Aerobic glycolysis: meeting the metabolic requirements of cell proliferation. Annu Rev Cell Biol. 2011;27(1):441-64.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

6. Eigenbrodt E, Glossmann H. Glycolysis—one of the keys to cancer?. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 1980;1(2):240-5.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

7. Gatenby RA, Gillies RJ. Why do cancers have high aerobic glycolysis?. Nat Rev Cancer. 2004;4(11):891-9.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

8. Pelicano H, Martin DS, Xu RA, et al. Glycolysis inhibition for anticancer treatment. Oncogene. 2006;25(34):4633-46.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

9. McKeehan WL. Glycolysis, glutaminolysis and cell proliferation. Cell Biol Int Rep. 1982;6(7):635-50.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

10. Helmreich E, Cori CF. Regulation of glycolysis in muscle. Advances in enzyme regulation. 1965;3:91-107.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref