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glycolysis
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Diagram showing the process of cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water, with energy released as indicated by red arrows. The chemical equation C6H12O6 plus 6O2 yields 6CO2 plus 6H2O is displayed. Diagram showing the steps of glycolysis, beginning with glucose and ATP, progressing through intermediates like glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate, and ending with the production of pyruvate, ATP, and NADH. A detailed inset highlights the enzymatic reactions and energy transfers from glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to pyruvate. A biochemical flowchart shows the metabolic pathways for carbohydrate utilization, including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The diagram traces the conversion of glucose, fructose, and glycerol through various intermediates, leading to energy production, carbon dioxide release, and biosynthesis of amino acids and porphyrins. Key steps and branches are labeled, with colored boxes highlighting biosynthetic outputs.
Quick Facts
Or:
glycolytic pathway or Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway
Key People:
Gustav Georg Embden
Otto Meyerhof
On the Web:
Chemistry LibreTexts - Glycolysis (Oct. 14, 2026)
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glycolysis

biochemistry
Also known as: Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, Embden-Meyerhoff pathway, glycolytic pathway(Show More)
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glycolysis, sequence of 10 chemical reactions taking place in most cells that breaks down glucose, releasing energy that is then captured and stored in ATP. One molecule of glucose (plus coenzymes and inorganic phosphate) makes two molecules of pyruvate (or pyruvic acid) and two molecules of ATP. The pyruvate enters into the tricarboxylic acid cycle if enough oxygen is present or is fermented into lactic acid or ethanol if not. Thus, glycolysis produces both ATP for cellular energy requirements and building blocks for synthesis of other cellular products. See also Gustav Georg Embden; Otto Meyerhof.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.