Final answer:
Two ATP molecules are added to get glycolysis started, which provides the necessary energy to split the glucose molecule into two three-carbon molecules, leading to a net gain of two ATP molecules by the end of the pathway.
Step-by-step explanation:
To initiate glycolysis, a total of two ATP molecules are utilized to phosphorylate glucose, which is the process of adding phosphate groups to glucose to make it more reactive. This initial investment of ATP provides the energy needed to start the breakdown of glucose into two three-carbon molecules. Glycolysis can be summarized in two phases: the energy-investment phase and the energy-payoff phase. In the energy-payoff phase, four ATP molecules are produced, resulting in a net gain of two ATP molecules by the end of the glycolytic pathway.