In which part of the cell, the glucose is converted into pyruvate ? 1

The conversion of glucose into pyruvate is the first stage of cellular respiration, a process known as glycolysis. This metabolic pathway occurs in the cytoplasm (specifically the cytosol) of the cell [1]. During glycolysis, a six-carbon glucose molecule is broken down into two three-carbon molecules of pyruvate [1]. This process is universal to both aerobic and anaerobic respiration and does not require oxygen [1]. While the subsequent breakdown of pyruvate occurs in the mitochondria during aerobic respiration to produce carbon dioxide and water, the initial step of forming pyruvate from glucose is strictly localized to the cytoplasm [1]. Other organelles like the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum are involved in genetic material storage and protein/lipid synthesis respectively, rather than the primary reactions of glycolysis.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.5 > p. 87