Question

explain the three ways in which glucose is broken down to get energy

Answer 1

Answer:-

break down of pyruvate takes place in different manners in different organisms.

(i) Anaerobic respiration: This process takes place in absence of oxygen e.g., in yeast during fermentation. In this case pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

(ii) Aerobic respiration: In aerobic respiration break down of pyruvate takes place in presence of oxygen to give rise 3 molecules of carbon dioxide and water. The release of energy in aerobic respiration is much more than anaerobic respiration.

(iii) Lack of oxygen: Sometimes, when there is lack of oxygen, especially during vigorous activity, in our muscles, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid (3 carbon molecule compound). Formation of lactic acid in muscles causes cramp.