Step 1: Understanding glycolysis.
Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate through a series of enzyme-controlled steps, producing energy in the form of ATP and NADH.
Step 2: Role of fructose 1,6-diphosphate.
Fructose 1,6-diphosphate is an important intermediate formed after phosphorylation of fructose 6-phosphate. This compound must be split into two three-carbon molecules for further metabolism.
Step 3: Enzyme responsible for cleavage.
The enzyme aldolase catalyzes the cleavage of fructose 1,6-diphosphate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate.
Step 4: Analysis of options.
(A) Hexokinase: Catalyzes phosphorylation of glucose, not cleavage.
(B) Aldolase: Correct, it splits fructose 1,6-diphosphate.
(C) Phosphoglyceromutase: Involved in later rearrangement steps.
(D) Phosphoglycerokinase: Catalyzes ATP formation, not cleavage.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Cleavage of fructose 1,6-diphosphate during glycolysis is catalyzed by aldolase.