Glycolysis is the partial breakdown of glucose into two pyruvate molecules. This reaction occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. There is a net generation of 2 NADH and 2 ATP in the process of glycolysis. This pathway occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
In anaerobes, it is called fermentation in which two pyruvate is converted into lactate by converting 2 NADH produced during glycolysis into 2 NAD⁺. The release of NAD⁺ than supplied to glycolysis again so that glycolysis keep running.
Glucose → 2 pyruvate → 2 lactate
Therefore, the glycolysis process must take place before two pyruvate molecules are converted to two lactic acid molecules.
