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What is the initial step in glycolysis?
  • a)
    Conversion of glucose to fructose-6-phosphate
  • b)
    Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate
  • c)
    Conversion of fructose to glucose-6-phosphate
  • d)
    Conversion of fructose to fructose-6-phosphate
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the initial step in glycolysis?a)Conversion of glucose to fruc...
The initial step in glycolysis is the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme hexokinase. In this step, a phosphate group is added to glucose, forming glucose-6-phosphate.
This phosphorylation of glucose is an important regulatory step in glycolysis and helps to trap glucose within the cell, preventing it from freely diffusing out.
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What is the initial step in glycolysis?a)Conversion of glucose to fruc...
The initial step in glycolysis is the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate.

The process of glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH in the process. It occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate:
1. Glucose uptake: Glucose enters the cell through glucose transporters present in the plasma membrane. This transport is facilitated by glucose transport proteins, such as GLUT1 and GLUT4.

2. Phosphorylation of glucose: Once inside the cell, glucose is immediately phosphorylated by the enzyme hexokinase. This reaction requires the input of ATP and produces glucose-6-phosphate. Hexokinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to glucose, creating glucose-6-phosphate and ADP.

3. Role of hexokinase: Hexokinase has a high affinity for glucose, ensuring that glucose is rapidly phosphorylated upon entering the cell. By phosphorylating glucose, hexokinase traps glucose inside the cell, preventing it from freely diffusing out. This is important because glucose-6-phosphate cannot easily cross the plasma membrane.

4. Importance of glucose-6-phosphate: The conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate is essential for several reasons:
- The phosphorylation of glucose allows for the trapping of glucose inside the cell.
- Glucose-6-phosphate is a charged molecule that cannot readily diffuse across the plasma membrane, ensuring its retention within the cell.
- Glucose-6-phosphate is a key intermediate in glycolysis and can be further metabolized to produce ATP and other energy-rich compounds.

In summary, the initial step in glycolysis involves the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate through the action of the enzyme hexokinase. This step is crucial for trapping glucose inside the cell and initiating the process of glycolysis, ultimately leading to the production of ATP and other energy molecules.
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What is the initial step in glycolysis?a)Conversion of glucose to fructose-6-phosphateb)Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphatec)Conversion of fructose to glucose-6-phosphated)Conversion of fructose to fructose-6-phosphateCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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What is the initial step in glycolysis?a)Conversion of glucose to fructose-6-phosphateb)Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphatec)Conversion of fructose to glucose-6-phosphated)Conversion of fructose to fructose-6-phosphateCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for NEET 2024 is part of NEET preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the NEET exam syllabus. Information about What is the initial step in glycolysis?a)Conversion of glucose to fructose-6-phosphateb)Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphatec)Conversion of fructose to glucose-6-phosphated)Conversion of fructose to fructose-6-phosphateCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for NEET 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the initial step in glycolysis?a)Conversion of glucose to fructose-6-phosphateb)Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphatec)Conversion of fructose to glucose-6-phosphated)Conversion of fructose to fructose-6-phosphateCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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