glycolysis /glīkol″isis/ [Gk, glykys + lysis, loosening] , a series of enzymatically catalyzed reactions by which glucose and other sugars are broken down to yield lactic acid (anaerobic glycolysis) or pyruvic acid (aerobic glycolysis). The breakdown releases energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Also called Embden-Meyerhof pathway. See also citric acid cycle, lactic acid.
