Glycolysis

Aldehydes and Ketones

After formation of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, a highly activated compound, the rest of glycolysis involves breakdown and transduction of the chemical energy into ATP. The next step is the cleavage of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, which is carried out by the enzyme aldolase. The reaction type, aldol cleavage, is the reverse of an aldol condensation. You can see why aldol condensation is a favorite reaction for the MCAT. Although hard-core biochemistry is not on the exam, biochemistry is an influence pervading the test.