Question

Which is the end product of glycolysis?

• A. $\mathrm{Glucose}-1-\mathrm{phosphate}$
• B. $\mathrm{Fructose}-1-\mathrm{phosphate}$
• C. Acetyl CoA
• D. Pyruvic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Pyruvic acid

The correct option is D.

Explanation for correct option:

1. Glycolysis is defined as a sequence of reactions that convert glucose into pyruvate or lactate with the production of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).
2. Pyruvic acid is the end product of glycolysis.
3. Two molecules of pyruvic acid are generated by the partial oxidation of one glucose molecule.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. $\mathrm{Glucose}-1-\mathrm{phosphate}$ is formed by the cleavage of a molecule of glucose by the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase from a structure of glycogen.
2. It cannot travel back across many metabolic pathways.

Option B:

1. $\mathrm{Fructose}-1-\mathrm{phosphate}$ is cleaved to glyceraldehyde during glycolysis.

Option C:

1. The three-carbon pyruvate molecule produced during glycolysis is converted to a two-carbon molecule of Acetyl CoA within the mitochondria.

Final answer: The end product of glycolysis is the three-carbon pyruvic acid produced in the cytosol.