Glycolysis
Definition
Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate with the simultaneous production of small amounts of ATP (energy).
Analogy
Imagine glycolysis as a sugar-crushing machine at a candy factory. You put whole pieces of candy (glucose) in one end, and out comes crushed candy bits (pyruvates) along with some bonus prizes - little packets of energy (ATP).
Related terms
Glucose: A simple sugar that serves as the main source of energy for cells. It's what gets broken down during glycolysis.
Pyruvate: The end product of glycolysis, which can then be used in the citric acid cycle to produce more energy.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The main energy currency of cells. It's what gets produced during glycolysis and other metabolic processes.
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