Glycolysis

The essential metabolic pathway of glycolysis involves the oxidative breakdown of one glucose into two pyruvate with the capture of some energy as ATP and NADH. Glycolysis is important in the cell because glucose is the main source of fuel for tissues in the body. For example, glucose is the only source of energy for the brain. To ensure normal brain function, the body must maintain a constant supply of glucose in the blood. Glycolysis is also important because the metabolism of glucose produces useful intermediates for other metabolic pathways, such as the synthesis of amino acids or fatty acids.