Question

End product of glycolysis is

• A. acetyl CoA
• B. pyruvic acid
• C. glucose 1-phosphate
• D. fructose 1-phosphate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the end product of the biochemical process of glycolysis, let's go through the key steps and highlights of this process.

Glycolysis Overview:

• Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of cells.
• It is the first step in the breakdown of glucose to extract energy for cellular metabolism.
• It involves a series of ten enzyme-catalyzed reactions where one molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid (C₃H₄O₃).
• The process does not require oxygen (anaerobic) and occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Detailed Steps in Glycolysis:

1. Glucose undergoes phosphorylation to form glucose-6-phosphate using ATP.
2. Through a series of transformations, glucose is eventually split into two three-carbon molecules known as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate.
3. These molecules are further oxidized and rearranged to ultimately form two molecules of pyruvic acid.

End Product:

The end product of glycolysis is pyruvic acid. This is fundamental because it is the compound that enters subsequent metabolic pathways, such as the Krebs cycle in aerobic respiration, once it is converted to acetyl CoA.

Explanations for Incorrect Options:

• Acetyl CoA: While pyruvic acid is converted to acetyl CoA in aerobic conditions before entering the Krebs cycle, acetyl CoA itself is not a direct product of glycolysis.
• Glucose 1-phosphate: This compound is an intermediate formed during glycogen breakdown, not glycolysis.
• Fructose 1-phosphate: This is involved in fructose metabolism, not directly related to glycolysis.

Conclusion:

Based on the above explanation, the correct end product of glycolysis is pyruvic acid.