Glycolysis: Glucose Catabolism & Energy Extraction
Glycolysis: Glucose Catabolism & Energy Extraction
Biochemistry
A comprehensive, university-level exploration of glycolysis — the ten-step enzymatic pathway that converts one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH. Covers thermodynamics, enzyme mechanisms, regulation, and clinical significance.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the overall reaction and thermodynamic logic of glycolysis
- Identify and explain each of the ten enzymatic steps, including substrates, products, and enzyme names
- Distinguish the energy-investment phase from the energy-payoff phase
- Explain substrate-level phosphorylation and how it differs from oxidative phosphorylation
- Describe the allosteric and hormonal regulation of glycolytic flux
- Discuss the metabolic fates of pyruvate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
- Relate glycolytic defects to clinical disorders including hemolytic anemia, the Warburg effect in cancer, and lactic acidosis
Lessons
1
Introduction to Glycolysis & Metabolic Context
12 min
2
The Energy-Investment Phase (Steps 1–5)
14 min
3
The Energy-Payoff Phase (Steps 6–10)
14 min
4
Thermodynamics & Energy Balance of Glycolysis
10 min
5
Regulation of Glycolysis
10 min
6
Fates of Pyruvate & Fermentation
10 min
7
Clinical Significance & the Warburg Effect
12 min