Final answer:
Glycolysis is a metabolic process that converts glucose into pyruvate, resulting in a net gain of two ATP molecules and the generation of two NADH molecules. Two ATP molecules are consumed during the process, leading to the net gain of ATP for the cell's use. Pyruvate, ATP, and NADH are the key products of glycolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Important Features of Glycolysis
Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that is crucial for cellular respiration and energy production. This process begins with a six-carbon glucose molecule and ends with the production of two three-carbon pyruvate molecules. During glycolysis, a total of four ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) molecules are produced, but since two ATP molecules are consumed early in the pathway to prepare glucose for cleavage, there is a net gain of two ATP molecules for the cell. Additionally, this process generates two NADH molecules, which are energy-carrying molecules used later in cellular respiration. If a cell cannot further catabolize pyruvate molecules, such as in mature mammalian red blood cells, glycolysis is their sole source of ATP. Without glycolysis, these cells would not be able to maintain their functions and would die.