First the glucose is broken down into a 3 Carbon molecule called Pyruvate in the cytoplasm of the cell in a process called Glycolysis.
The process can further proceed using three different pathways depending on the amount of oxygen present.
- In the presence of sufficient Oxygen, Pyruvate molecules are broken down into Water and Carbon dioxide and Energy is released. This process is called aerobic respiration.
- In the lack of oxygen, Pyruvate molecules are converted into lactic acid and energy is released. This takes place in our muscles especially while exercising. The lactic acid thus produced causes cramps in our muscles.
- In the total absence of Oxygen Pyruvate molecules are broken down into Ethanol and Carbon dioxide and Energy is released. This process is called anaerobic respiration and takes place in yeast cells.
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