How is glycolysis important to the functioning of the organism?

Answer 1

Glycolysis is the first step in making ATP through cellular respiration. Glycolysis is broken down into pyruvate which is made into Acetyl(sp?) CoA when it goes through the mitochondrial membrane. This change creates molecules called NADH. NADH goes through the citric acid cycle which produces FADH. The NADH and the FADH carry electrons to the electron transport chain which produces ATP through phosphorylation(sp?).

So....

With the process of glycolysis, your body produces ATP which allows you to live.

Answer 2

Glycolysis is the energy releasing reaction which converts glucose into pyruvate. This vital process drives all biologic life on earth, both aerobic and anaerobic. From the most primitive through to the larger animals.

There are a couple of important other molecules involved in the process, ATP and ADP, (Adenosine triphosphate, and its Diphosphate cousin).

Most of our ATP is produced inside the Mitochondria, which are symbiotic organisms inside all cells. These exotic organisms hitchhiked into cells very early on in evolution. They are separate living organisms, they respire, reproduce, and consume energy. Your Mother gave you all your Mitochondria, none from your Father, and thus they are used as a biological descent marker.

Answer 3

to protect the cell