Question

Which of the following provides the best description of the role of glycolysis in cellular respiration? A. It consumes oxygen and produces energy and carbon dioxide. B. It converts ATP and NADPH into ADP and ATP+ . C. It facilitates the movement of H+ ions across a membrane. D. It breaks down glucose and releases energy and pyruvic acid.

Answer 1

D. It breaks down glucose and releases energy and pyruvic acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy. It takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen. During glycolysis, a molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvic acid, also known as pyruvate. This breakdown of glucose releases a small amount of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Glycolysis is an anaerobic process, meaning it occurs in the absence of oxygen. It is the primary energy-producing pathway in cells when oxygen is not readily available. In the presence of oxygen, pyruvic acid produced during glycolysis enters the mitochondria for further processing in the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, which produce much more ATP.

In summary, glycolysis is responsible for breaking down glucose into pyruvic acid and generating a small amount of ATP. It is an essential step in cellular respiration, especially in anaerobic conditions, and provides the cell with energy to carry out its functions.