The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water and energy takes place in

1. cytoplasm.
2. chloroplast.
3. mitochondria.
4. nucleus.

Correct Answer: (b) mitochondria

Explanation:

The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water, and energy takes place in mitochondria.

Pyruvate, the conjugate base, CH₃COCOO^-, is a key intermediate in several metabolic pathways throughout the cell.

One glucose molecule breaks down into two molecules of pyruvate, which are then used to provide further energy in either aerobic or anaerobic pathways.

Its formula is C₃H₄O₃.

In bacteria, eukaryotes, and most archaea, glycolysis breaks down glucose. It produces energy, reduced electron carriers, and metabolic precursor molecules. Despite not requiring oxygen, glycolysis can be combined with aerobic or anaerobic metabolic processes. It starts with a 6-carbon glucose molecule and ends with 2-carbon pyruvate molecules. After glycolysis, pyruvate can undergo aerobic or anaerobic respiration to release energy.

Pyruvate is metabolized with or without oxygen. The location of pyruvate breakdown may differ between scenarios. Anaerobic breakdown of pyruvate in the cytoplasm produces acids and alcohol through fermentation.

Pyruvate enters the Krebs cycle in oxygen-rich mitochondria for anaerobic breakdown. Aerobic respiration. Pyruvate is broken down aerobically in mitochondria and anaerobically in the cytoplasm. 

Bacterial pyruvate breakdown is essential for anaerobic respiration. Pyruvate may be broken down anaerobically by bacteria, releasing carbon dioxide and acids or alcohols.

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Updated on: 06-Jan-2023

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