The term "glycolytic" refers to processes related to glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is essential for generating ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Glycolysis can function with or without oxygen, making it crucial for both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate, along with the production of ATP and NADH. This pathway is the first step in cellular respiration, leading to further energy production in the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain when oxygen is present.