What process does glycolysis refer to?

Glycolysis refers specifically to the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to extract energy through the process of catabolism. During glycolysis, a six-carbon glucose molecule is converted into two three-carbon molecules of pyruvate, while generating a small amount of ATP and NADH. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and serves as a fundamental component of cellular respiration.

The focus on glycolysis as a catabolic process is crucial because it highlights the role of glucose as a primary energy source that is broken down rather than built up. Understanding this basic metabolic pathway is essential for analyzing how carbohydrates provide energy for various biological processes.