Question:
Give an account of Glycolysis. Where does it occur? What is the end product? Trace the fate of these products in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Solution:
Glycolysis is the process which involves the splitting of glucose (a 6C compound) into two molecules of pyruvic acid (a 3C compound). It occurs in the cytoplasm of the
cell. The end products of glycolysis are two pyruvates (pyruvic acid) molecules, a total of four ATP molecules, and two molecules of NADH. Glycolysis occurs in both
aerobic and anaerobic organisms. After glycolysis, if the cells have oxygen, then it goes on to a process known as a citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic cycle. And if there
is no oxygen, then the fermentation process occurs.