Which of the following is an energy-requiring step of glycolysis?
**Core Concept**
Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP and NADH. While glycolysis is generally considered an energy-yielding process, there is one key step that actually requires energy input.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The energy-requiring step of glycolysis is the conversion of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) to 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG), catalyzed by the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). This reaction is an endergonic process, meaning it requires energy input to proceed. The energy is derived from the hydrolysis of ATP, which is subsequently generated from the subsequent step in glycolysis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) is catalyzed by hexokinase or glucokinase, but it is not an energy-requiring step. Instead, it is an energy-yielding step that generates ATP.
* **Option B:** The conversion of fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP) is also not an energy-requiring step. This reaction is catalyzed by phosphofructokinase (PFK), which uses ATP to phosphorylate F6P.
* **Option D:** The conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate is an energy-yielding step, catalyzed by pyruvate kinase (PK). This reaction generates ATP from the hydrolysis of PEP.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) is a key regulatory enzyme in glycolysis, and its activity is sensitive to changes in ATP and ADP concentrations. This allows cells to regulate glycolysis in response to energy demands.
**Correct Answer: C.**