When a compound donates (loses) electrons, that compound becomes oxidized. Such a compound is often referred to as an electron donor. When a compound accepts (gains) electrons, that compound becomes reduced. Such a compound is often referred to as an electron acceptor. In glycolysis, the carbon-containing compound that functions as the electron donor is glucose. Once the electron donor in glycolysis gives up its electrons, it is oxidized to a compound called pyruvate. NAD+ is the compound that functions as the electron acceptor in glycolysis. The reduced form of the electron acceptor in glycolysis is NADH.