Glycolysis is the first step in the breakdown of glucose to extract energy for cellular metabolism. The reactants of glycolysis are:
- Glucose
- 2 ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- 2 NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
- 4 ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)
- 2 Pi (Inorganic Phosphate)
These reactants are essential for the process of glycolysis to occur. Glucose is the primary fuel molecule, while ATP provides the initial energy required to start the process. NAD+ acts as an electron carrier, and ADP along with Pi are used to generate ATP during the later stages of glycolysis.