Fig. 8. Coordination of glycolytic and oxidative phases of glucose (Glc) metabolism. The rate of Glc phosphorylation by mitochondrially bound hexokinase, using intramitochondrially generated ATP as substrate, is correlated with the rate of oxidative phosphorylation. This mechanism is suggested to ensure coordination of Glc phosphorylation, the initial step in glycolytic metabolism, with terminal oxidative stages (tricarboxylic acid cycle, with associated electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation; bold curved arrows) occurring in the mitochondria, avoiding the buildup of potentially toxic lactate.

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