Chapter 13.2, Problem 3QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the total number of steps in the ${\text{C}}_6$ and ${\text{C}}_3$ stages of glycolysis.

Concept introduction: Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down a glucose molecule and converts it into two pyruvate molecules along with the production of two ATP molecules and NADH coenzymes.

Glucose is a monosaccharide that contains six carbon atoms. Hence, it is a ${\text{C}}_6$ molecule. Pyruvate $\left({\text{CH}}_3{\text{COCOO}}^{-}\right)$ is the conjugate base of pyruvic acid $\left({\text{CH}}_3\text{COCOOH}\right)$. It contains three carbon atoms. Hence, it is a ${\text{C}}_3$ molecule. In the glycolysis process, a ${\text{C}}_6$ molecule is converted to two ${\text{C}}_3$ molecules.