Alternatives to Glycolysis

The Entner–Doudoroff pathway is an alternate series of reactions that catabolize glucose to pyruvate.

Microbes can utilize hydrocarbons via oxidation as an energy source.

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) converts glucose-6-phosphate into NADPH and pentoses (5-carbon sugars).

Microbes can harness energy and carbon derived from organic acids by using a variety of dedicated metabolic enzymes.

Biological lipids, which are broken down and utilized though β-oxidation, represent a potent energy source.

Excess amino acids are converted into molecules that can enter the pathways of glucose catabolism.

Methylotrophs and methanotrophs are a diverse group of microorganisms that can derive energy from the metabolism of single-carbon compounds.