Final answer:
During glycolysis in human erythrocytes, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, generating ATP and other byproducts. The changes in free energy during glycolysis are important for supplying energy to carry out cellular functions in red blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glycolysis is an important metabolic pathway that occurs in human erythrocytes, or red blood cells. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, generating ATP and other byproducts. In human erythrocytes, the changes in free energy during glycolysis are important for supplying energy to carry out cellular functions. In particular, the production of ATP and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate helps maintain red blood cell function and oxygen delivery to tissues.