Question

How many steps are there in the process of glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate?

• A. 6.
• B. 8.
• C. 10.
• D. 12.

Hint:

Glycolysis is a 10-step metabolic pathway that is crucial for energy production and occurs in the absence of oxygen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Overview of glycolysis. 
Glycolysis is a series of 10 enzymatic steps that convert one molecule of glucose (\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)) into two molecules of pyruvate (\( C_3H_4O_3 \)). It occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and does not require oxygen. 

Step 2: Breakdown of the 10 steps. 
The first 5 steps constitute the energy investment phase. The last 5 steps constitute the energy payoff phase. Overall, 2 ATP molecules are consumed, and 4 ATP molecules are generated, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP per glucose molecule. \[ \therefore \text{The process of glycolysis consists of 10 steps.} \]