Final answer:
In the priming phase of glycolysis, two ATP molecules are consumed for each molecule of glucose. This investment is later offset by the production of four ATP molecules, resulting in a net gain of two ATPs per glucose molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of glycolysis is essential for cells to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). It is divided into two phases: the energy-consuming priming reactions and the energy-yielding phase. During the priming phase of glycolysis, two ATP molecules are consumed to activate one molecule of glucose. This phase involves the phosphorylation of glucose to form fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, which is essential for the subsequent breaking down into two three-carbon molecules.
After the priming phase, the cell enters the second phase of glycolysis, yielding a total of four ATP molecules. Subtracting the two ATPs used in the priming phase, this results in a net gain of two ATP molecules per glucose molecule. As such, during glycolysis, for every glucose molecule processed, two ATP molecules are invested and four ATPs are generated, making the process a crucial part of cellular energy metabolism.