What is the net ATP produced from glycolysis?

Glycolysis is the first step in the breakdown of glucose to extract energy for cellular metabolism and occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate. In this process, a total of 4 ATP molecules are produced; however, 2 ATP molecules are consumed in the initial steps to phosphorylate glucose and its intermediate forms.

Thus, when calculating the net ATP gain from glycolysis, you subtract the 2 ATP that were used from the 4 ATP that were produced. This results in a net gain of 2 ATP molecules. Therefore, this makes the correct answer a net of 2 ATP produced through glycolysis. Additionally, it is important to note that while glycolysis produces 2 NADH molecules, which can be further used in cellular respiration for additional ATP production, the question specifically pertains to the net ATP gain directly from glycolysis itself.