Glycolysis end product is

Concept:

• Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) into pyruvate, releasing energy and forming ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
• It is the first step in cellular respiration and occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
• Glycolysis does not require oxygen (anaerobic process), making it essential for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

Explanation:

• PGA (Phosphoglycerate): This is an intermediate compound formed during glycolysis, not the end product. Specifically, 3-phosphoglycerate is formed in the middle stages of glycolysis.
• Pyruvic Acid (PA): The end product of glycolysis. Each molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This pyruvate can then be used in the Krebs cycle (aerobic respiration) or fermentation (anaerobic processes).
• Acetyl CoA: This is not a direct product of glycolysis. Pyruvic acid undergoes oxidative decarboxylation to form Acetyl CoA before entering the Krebs cycle.
• Citric Acid: This is a product of the Krebs cycle, not glycolysis. It is formed when Acetyl CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid in the first step of the Krebs cycle.

Fig: Steps in Glycolysis