Glycolysis takes place in

Glycolysis, also known as the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, is the universal first step in cellular respiration where a six-carbon glucose molecule is broken down into two three-carbon pyruvate molecules [c3, t1]. This metabolic process occurs in the cytoplasm (cytosol) of virtually all living cells [c3, t2]. It is considered an anaerobic process because it does not require oxygen to proceed [t2, t4]. Consequently, glycolysis serves as a fundamental energy source under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions [t4, t5]. In aerobic respiration, the resulting pyruvate enters the mitochondria for further oxidation, whereas in anaerobic respiration (fermentation), it remains in the cytoplasm to be converted into products like lactic acid or ethanol [c2, c3, t2]. Therefore, glycolysis is a common pathway shared by both types of respiration [t2, t5].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.5 > p. 88
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.5 > p. 87
3. [3] https://gdcboysang.ac.in/About/droid/uploads/ZOL%20UNIT%203%20pdf.pdf
4. [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482303/