Question

Select the true statements about the first half of glycolysis (priming and cleavage reactions).

Two molecules of NADH are produced.
A 6-carbon molecule is split to form two 3-carbon molecules.
ATP is used.
ATP is produced.
Pyruvate is produced.

Answer 1

In the first half of glycolysis, two ATP molecules are used to phosphorylate glucose and a 6-carbon molecule is split into two 3-carbon molecules; no NADH or ATP is produced, and pyruvate is not a product at this stage.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the true statements about the first half of glycolysis, it is important to note that this phase includes the priming and cleavage reactions of the glucose molecule. During these reactions, ATP is used to phosphorylate glucose, and this investment is critical to the process. Specifically, two molecules of ATP are consumed to convert glucose into fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. Following this, the six-carbon molecule undergoes cleavage, splitting into two three-carbon molecules, which is the second true statement about glycolysis. However, no NADH is produced in this half; instead, two molecules of NADH are produced in the second half of glycolysis. Also, ATP is not produced in the first half; it is produced in the second half, where four ATP molecules are generated resulting in a net gain of two ATP per glucose molecule. Lastly, pyruvate is not produced in the first half of glycolysis; instead, it is the end product of the second half of the pathway.