Let's analyze each statement regarding glycolysis:
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The 6-carbon skeleton of glucose is enzymatically split into two 3-carbon compounds.
- True. This is accurate; glycolysis involves the conversion of glucose (a 6-carbon molecule) into two molecules of pyruvate (a 3-carbon compound).
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CO2 is produced during glycolysis.
- False. No carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced during glycolysis. CO2 is released during later stages of cellular respiration, such as the citric acid cycle.
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Glucose is the original electron donor.
- True. Glucose donates electrons during glycolysis, primarily through the oxidation of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate.
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More ATP is formed than is consumed in this process.
- True. Glycolysis produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules (4 ATP produced, but 2 ATP are used).
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Each of the 10 steps in this pathway is catalyzed by the same enzyme.
- False. Different steps in glycolysis are catalyzed by different enzymes. There are 10 distinct enzymatic reactions in glycolysis.
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This process occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
- False. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm (cytosol) of eukaryotic cells, not in the mitochondria.
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Pyruvate is the electron acceptor.
- False. Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, not an electron acceptor. The electron acceptor during glycolysis is NAD+, which gets reduced to NADH.
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Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is oxidized, and NAD+ is reduced to NADH.
- True. During the conversion of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate, G3P is oxidized and NAD+ is indeed reduced to NADH.
Summary of Correct Statements:
- The 6-carbon skeleton of glucose is enzymatically split into two 3-carbon compounds.
- Glucose is the original electron donor.
- More ATP is formed than is consumed in this process.
- Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is oxidized, and NAD+ is reduced to NADH.