Where does glycolysis take place?

Where does glycolysis take place?

Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that occurs in the cytosol of cells. The cytosol is the semi-fluid substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles. It is a complex mixture of water, ions, and small molecules, including enzymes and other proteins.

During glycolysis, a molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. This process occurs in a series of steps, each of which is catalyzed by a specific enzyme.

Glycolysis is an anaerobic process, meaning it does not require oxygen. It is the primary means of generating ATP in the absence of oxygen, and it occurs in many types of cells, including muscle cells, red blood cells, and cells in the liver and brain.

If oxygen is present, the pyruvate produced by glycolysis can be further broken down in the mitochondria through the process of aerobic respiration, which generates a larger amount of ATP. This process occurs in the mitochondria, which are organelles found in most cells that are responsible for generating the majority of the cell’s energy.