Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that occurs in cells, where glucose (a six-carbon sugar) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate (a three-carbon compound). This process generates energy through the production of ATP and NADH. Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell and occurs in a series of ten enzyme-catalyzed reactions, which are regulated by various hormones and metabolic intermediates. The end product of glycolysis is pyruvate, which can then be further processed through other pathways such as the citric acid cycle or fermentation to produce energy for cellular activities.