What does glycolysis mean?
Glycolysis is the biochemical pathway through which cells begin breaking down glucose for energy. During the process, one glucose molecule is converted into two pyruvate molecules, with a net production of two ATP molecules and two NADH molecules. It takes place in the cytosol and does not require oxygen directly, which is why it can continue under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. When oxygen is available, the pyruvate may enter further stages of cellular respiration; when it is not, it can be converted into lactate or fermentation products. Glycolysis is central to metabolism and is widely studied in relation to cancer, exercise, inherited metabolic disorders, and microbial physiology. The word is primarily formal and technical, but it is widely understood in scientific and educational contexts. Its importance lies in making glucose usable as a quick source of cellular energy and providing intermediates for other metabolic reactions.
nounGlycolysis is the metabolic pathway in which glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a net gain of two ATP molecules and two molecules of NADH. It occurs in the cytosol and is the first stage of cellular respiration.
- The metabolic pathway that breaks glucose down into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.
- By extension, the cellular process of extracting energy from glucose through this pathway.
"The cells increased their rate of glycolysis to meet the sudden demand for energy."
"Glycolysis supplies cells with ATP even when oxygen is unavailable."
"The researchers measured how aerobic glycolysis affected the tumor's growth."
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly when referring to multiple distinct instances of the process.
"The review compares glycolyses in normal tissue and cancer cells."
Glycolysis is the cellular shortcut that converts one glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules while capturing two ATP molecules in the process.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glycolysis come from?
The word combines the combining form glyco-, related to Greek glykys, meaning “sweet,” with lysis, from Greek lysis, meaning “loosening” or “breaking up.” The terminology reflects glycolysis as the breakdown, or “loosening,” of sugar. Related English words such as glucose, glycogen, and glycine preserve the same Greek element associated with sweetness or sugar.
Related word forms
How glycolysis is actually used
This is a technical term used primarily in biochemistry, physiology, medicine, and related biological sciences. It is normally treated as a singular process or as an uncountable noun, with plural usage uncommon.
Easily confused with glycolysis
Glycolysis breaks glucose down into pyruvate, whereas glycogenesis is the process of building and storing glucose units as glycogen.
Glycolysis breaks glucose down to generate energy, while gluconeogenesis synthesizes glucose from other compounds.