Step 1: Concept
Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate to produce energy in the form of ATP.
Step 2: Meaning
Phosphorylation refers to the addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, typically utilizing ATP.
Step 3: Analysis
To begin the process and trap the glucose molecule inside the cell, an enzyme called hexokinase adds a phosphate group to the sixth carbon of glucose. This converts glucose into glucose-6-phosphate.
Step 4: Conclusion
Since the very first reaction involves the addition of a phosphate to glucose, the correct answer is phosphorylation of glucose.
Final Answer: (A)