In the cytoplasm,
the journey begins,
Glycolysis starts,
as glucose spins.
Six carbons in a ring,
ready to break,
A pathway of steps,
cells undertake.
First phosphorylation,
ATP gives a hand,
Glucose to glucose-6-phosphate,
as planned.
Isomerization next,
the structure rearranges,
Fructose-6-phosphate,
in these molecular exchanges.
Another phosphate joins,
from ATP's embrace,
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate,
now in place.
Cleavage occurs,
splitting in stride,
Two triose sugars,
side by side.
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate,
proceeds ahead,
Its isomer DHAP,
not left for dead.
Converting to the former,
continuing the flow,
In glycolysis' stream,
energy starts to glow.
NAD+ to NADH,
the redox stage,
Electrons transfer,
a pivotal page.
Phosphates shift,
ATP begins to form,
Energy captured,
from glycolytic storm.
Enolase acts,
water is removed,
PEP emerges,
as it's proved.
Last step approaches,
ADP awaits,
Pyruvate forms,
as ATP creates.
Ten steps in total,
from glucose to pyruvate,
A harvest of energy,
a cellular fate.
In the realm of cytoplasm,
this pathway reigns,
Glycolysis,
where life's energy sustains.
