MCAT Metabolism: Glycolysis, Steps, Enzymes & Regulation

In this week’s Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly pull glycolysis out of the rote-memorization zone and rebuild it as a story you can see, explain—and defend—on test day. Starting with the big-picture difference between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, they zoom into the 10 classic steps, spotlight why hexokinase and especially PFK-1 are the pathway’s “no-turning-back” moments, and finish with the hormonal signals that flip glycolysis on or off in real life. Along the way they debunk lactic-acid myths, link fasting physiology to MCAT passages, and hand you regulation mnemonics that actually stick.

Key takeaways at a glance

- Net yield, location & oxygen: Cytoplasmic pathway that nets 2 ATP, 2 NADH, 2 pyruvate—no O₂ required.

- Energy investment vs. payoff: Why you spend 2 ATP up front and gain 4 later (+2 net).

- Regulation checkpoints: Steps 1, 3 & 10 are irreversible; PFK-1 is the commitment step; ATP inhibits, ADP/AMP activate.

- Hormonal control: Insulin (via PFK-2) ramps glycolysis up; glucagon turns it down—crucial in fed vs. fasting states.

- Clinical & exam links: Cori cycle, muscle soreness myth, and how enzymes like hexokinase signal MCAT question writers.

Next episode: PDH complex, electron-transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation—subscribe so you’re ready for the hand-off from glycolysis to ATP powerhouse.

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