What does glycolysis convert glucose into?

Glycolysis is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the cytoplasm of cells, where glucose, a six-carbon sugar, is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, a three-carbon compound. This process is crucial for cellular respiration and energy production, as it not only generates pyruvate but also produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use as a primary energy currency.

During glycolysis, glucose is phosphorylated and enzymatically transformed through a series of steps involving various intermediates, ultimately leading to the formation of pyruvate. The conversion of glucose to pyruvate is a central metabolic pathway and serves as a precursor for further metabolic processes, including aerobic and anaerobic respiration, depending on the oxygen availability in the cell. This is why the correct answer emphasizes the role of glycolysis in producing pyruvate directly from glucose.