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Glycolysis Glycolysis is the sequence of reactions that converts glucose into pyruvate (pyruvic acid). In aerobic (plenty of oxygen) conditions, glycolysis links to the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain, which together release most of the energy contained in glucose. The energy currency of the athletes body is the molecule ATP. If the supply of oxygen is insufficient, as can happen in the hard working muscles of the athlete, pyruvate cannot enter the citric acid cycle. What happens? |
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Metabolism and the marathon runner. The well prepared marathon runner will have a high levels of glucose and its stored form glycogen. This will keep the athlete going for most of the race. As the race becomes more competitive and the running rate increases the need for more oxygen to burn up the glycose may exceed the efficiency of the lungs. Not enough oxygen enters the bloodsteam. Glycolysis works but the oxygen dependent citric acid cycle and electron transport chain will not function. All energy (ATP) production will depend on glycolysis? What happens to all the pyruvate produced? | |||||||||||||||
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