Question

What would happen if glycolysis stopped happening in a cell?

A. ATP molecules would be produced.
B. The Krebs cycle could not function.
C. Anaerobic respiration would begin.
D. Lactic acid would build up in the cell.

Answer 1

If glycolysis stopped in a cell, ATP production would cease, the Krebs cycle would be hindered, anaerobic respiration may occur, and lactic acid would build up.

Step-by-step explanation:

If glycolysis stopped happening in a cell, several outcomes would occur:

• ATP molecules would not be produced - Glycolysis is the initial step in cellular respiration that produces a small amount of ATP.
• The Krebs cycle could not function - The products of glycolysis, specifically pyruvate, are necessary for the Krebs cycle to proceed and generate more ATP.
• Anaerobic respiration would begin - Without the proper supply of pyruvate from glycolysis, cells may resort to alternative anaerobic pathways to produce ATP.
• Lactic acid would build up in the cell - If cells cannot fully metabolize pyruvate, it can be converted to lactic acid, leading to an accumulation of lactic acid in the cell.