Final answer:
Glycolysis is the metabolic process that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a net gain of two ATP and two NADH molecules, occurring in the cytoplasm either with or without oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of glycolysis describes the conversion of one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. This metabolic pathway occurs in the cytoplasm and can function with or without oxygen. During glycolysis, glucose is phosphorylated and split into two three-carbon sugars, which are then oxidized and converted into pyruvate. ATP and NADH are produced in the process.
Initially, two ATP molecules are used, but four are produced, leading to a net gain of two ATP molecules for the cell. Similarly, two NADH molecules are produced, which can be used in further stages of cellular respiration to generate even more ATP. Glycolysis is critical for cells, especially those like mature mammalian red blood cells, which rely solely on this process for their energy needs.