Answer to Question #277852 in Biochemistry for Mary Joy

Question

Although catabolism of a glucose molecule eventually produces a lot of energy, the first step uses up energy. Explain why this step is necessary.

Answer 1

In the first step of glycolysis, the glucose ring is phosphorylated.The reaction occurs with the help of the enzyme hexokinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of many six-membered glucose-like ring structures. A kinase is the name given to an enzyme that phosphorylates other molecules.