Final answer:
The enzyme pyruvate kinase is responsible for transferring a phosphate group from phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) to ADP, resulting in the production of pyruvate and ATP. This reaction is the final step in the glycolytic pathway and assists in the cellular production of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme that transfers a phosphate group from phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) to ADP, creating pyruvate and ATP, is known as pyruvate kinase. This reaction is the last step of the glycolytic pathway and is essential for the cellular production of energy. Pyruvate kinase catalyzes a coupled reaction, where the exergonic hydrolysis of a phosphate from PEP to ADP releases energy that is used to convert ADP to ATP.
Throughout the process of glycolysis, other enzymes such as phosphofructokinase and enolase play key roles. Phosphofructokinase is responsible for the phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate, forming fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, while enolase aids in the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to PEP. This entire process ultimately contributes to the production of a net gain of two ATP molecules from one glucose molecule.