What is the Difference Between Embden Meyerhof Pathway and Entner Doudoroff Pathway?

The Embden-Meyerhof Pathway (EMP) and Entner-Doudoroff Pathway (EDP) are two different glycolytic pathways that convert glucose into pyruvate, which is an essential step in cellular respiration. Here are the main differences between the two pathways:

1. ATP Yield: In an anaerobic environment, the Embden-Meyerhof Pathway produces two moles of ATP per mole of glucose, while the Entner-Doudoroff Pathway produces only one mole of ATP per mole of glucose.
2. NADH Production: The Embden-Meyerhof Pathway produces 2 NADH molecules, while the Entner-Doudoroff Pathway produces only 1 NADH molecule.
3. Pathway Distribution: The Embden-Meyerhof Pathway is the classic glycolysis pathway and is more widely found in various organisms. In contrast, the Entner-Doudoroff Pathway is an alternative pathway present in some bacteria and archaea.

In summary, the Embden-Meyerhof Pathway is a more widely distributed and efficient pathway in terms of ATP production, while the Entner-Doudoroff Pathway is an alternative pathway found in certain bacteria and archaea with lower ATP production.

Comparative Table: Embden Meyerhof Pathway vs Entner Doudoroff Pathway

The Embden Meyerhof Pathway (EMP) and Entner Doudoroff Pathway (EDP) are two different pathways for glycolysis, the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two pathways:

Both pathways produce pyruvate from glucose, but they differ in the enzymes involved, the net ATP and NADH production, and the types of organisms in which they occur. While the Embden Meyerhof Pathway takes place in many living organisms, the Entner Doudoroff Pathway is only found in a few prokaryotes.