Question

Glycolysis is the first step of cellular respiration, in which glucose is used to generate ATP to power the cell. The major chemical reaction that takes place in glycolysis (ignoring some other reactants and products) is the conversion of glucose (C6H12O6) to pyruvate (C3H4O3) and hydrogen ions (H+). Using this information, what is the correct equation for the glycolysis chemical reaction?
a. C6H12O6 -> C3H4O3+H+
b. C6H12O6 -> 2 C3H4O3+2 H+
c. C6H12O6 -> 2 C3H4O3+H+
d. 2 C6H12O6 -> C3H4O3+2 H+

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is b. C6H12O6 -> 2 C3H4O3+2 H+

Explanation:

Glycolysis occurs in both the condition aerobic and anaerobic so it does not require oxygen. In glycolysis, one glucose molecule is converted into two pyruvate( 2 C3H4O3) and two 2 ATP, 2NADH, and 2 H₂O are produced.

Initially, 2NAD⁺ is produced during glycolysis which is reduced to produce 2NADH and 2 H⁺. Therefore the correct equation is  C6H12O6 -> 2 C3H4O3+2 H+.

Then this pyruvate is used in the Kreb cycle which is required for the complete breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water and this process occurs in aerobic conditions. Complete oxidation is important to produce more energy from partially oxidized glucose.