Question

10 pts

When tracking ATP production in glycolysis, there are points where ATP levels show a slight decrease, although
the overall trend is an increase in ATP molecules. Which of the following best explains the slight decrease in
ATP levels?

Answer 1

The slight decrease in ATP levels during glycolysis accounts for the initial consumption of two ATP molecules necessary for the phosphorylation of glucose, an investment required for the continuation of the pathway.

Step-by-step explanation:

When tracking ATP production in glycolysis, we observe a decrease in ATP levels because two ATP molecules are initially used to phosphorylate glucose and its derivatives. This investment phase occurs before ATP can be generated later in the pathway.

Substrate-level phosphorylation is the mechanism in which a phosphate group from an intermediate is transferred to ADP to form ATP, but this comes after the initial consumption of ATP. Therefore, the slight decrease accounts for the energy investment required to make the process of glycolysis proceed.