Biochemistry
Glycolysis
The metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP quickly. Occurs in the cytoplasm without requiring oxygen.
Biological Context
Glycolysis is fast but inefficient—yielding only 2 ATP per glucose molecule compared to 36-38 from complete aerobic respiration. It's the 'sprint metabolism' used when energy is needed immediately. Cancer cells often rely heavily on glycolysis even when oxygen is available (Warburg effect).
Business Application
Glycolysis-mode business: fast, inefficient cash burn for rapid growth—using capital as a sprint fuel rather than sustainable revenue. Works for short bursts but unsustainable long-term. Many startups operate in glycolysis mode, burning through funding for speed.