Question

Is gluconeogenesis, glycolysis in reverse?

Answer 1

Glycolysis:

1. Glycolysis is the process in which glucose is broken down to produce energy.
2. It produces two molecules of pyruvate, NADH, ATP, and water.
3. It takes place in the cytoplasm of a cell and does not require oxygen.
4. It occurs in both aerobic as well as anaerobic organisms.

Gluconeogenesis:

1. Gluconeogenesis is the process in which glucose is produced from non-carbohydrate sources.
2. The non-carbohydrate sources are converted to pyruvate or some other intermediates of glycolysis.
3. It occurs when the intake of carbohydrates is low in the diet or during fasting to maintain glucose levels.
4. It takes place in the liver.

Comparison:

1. If we talk about end products, in gluconeogenesis pyruvate is converted to glucose while glucose changes into pyruvate during glycolysis.
2. But three reactions of glycolysis are irreversible, these conversions follow different steps and use other enzymes in gluconeogenesis.
3. So, glycolysis is not gluconeogenesis in reverse.