Explain the three pathways of breakdown in living organisms

Question

Explain the three pathways of a breakdown in living organisms

Answer 1

• Glucose is first broken down to 3 carbon molecule called as pyruvate. 
• This process takes place in the cytoplasm of all organisms. 
• Pyruvate is further broken down by the flowing steps.

In yeast: 

• Pyruvate is broken down in the absence of oxygen and the process is called as anaerobic respiration. 
• In yeasts pyruvate is broken down to produce CO₂ and ethanol. 

In Muscle Cells: 

• During rigorous physical activity energy demand of our muscles cells increases rapidly. 
• This is compensated by anaerobic respiration in muscle cells. 
• In muscle cells pyruvate is broken down into lactic acid.

 In Mitochondria: 

• In case of aerobic respiration( in presence of oxygen) pyruvate is broken down in mitochondria. 
• Here Pyruvate is broken down to produce H₂O and CO₂.
• Aerobic respiration is most common in most of the organisms.