Energy metabolism glycolysis

The process of glycolysis is without a doubt the single most ubiquitous pathway in all energy metabolism. Glycolysis can be characterized as a nearly universal process because it occurs in almost every living cell. It can occur in the ab-... 

Fig. 8.1 Glucose metabolism in coupled neuron and astrocyte system. ATP is produced via oxidative energy metabolism (glycolysis, TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) in neurons and in astrocytes. Na+ entry during electrical activity initiates increased oxidative energy metabolism within neurons. The activation of neuronal Na+-K+ ATPase in the plasma membrane leads to reduced levels of ATP, which rapidly activates glycolysis. This process requires an elevated glucose level, which is transported via the neuronal glucose transporter (GT). The generated ATP can restore the Na+/K+ balance via Na+-K+ ATPase. The rapid increase of glycolysis results in increased NADH/NAD+ and increased cytoplasmic pyruvate. In astrocytes,...

A. Glycolysis shown as one of the essential pathways of energy metabolism. B. Reactions of aerobic glycolysis. C. Reactions of anaerobic glycolysis. 

Glycolysis involves the breakdown of energy-storage polysaccharides or glucose to the 3-carbon acid, pyruvate. Its function is to produce energy in the form of ATP and 3-carbon intermediates for further metabolism. Glycolysis occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. 

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