The breakdown of glucose in cytoplasm results in the formation of

The breakdown of glucose in the cytoplasm is the initial stage of cellular respiration known as glycolysis. During this process, a six-carbon glucose molecule is enzymatically broken down into two three-carbon molecules called pyruvate [1]. This metabolic pathway occurs in the cytoplasm of virtually all living cells and does not require oxygen [1]. In addition to the formation of pyruvate, glycolysis results in a net gain of energy in the form of two ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) molecules and two NADH molecules [1]. While pyruvate can later be converted into carbon dioxide in the mitochondria during aerobic respiration or into ethanol/lactic acid during fermentation, the immediate products of the cytoplasmic breakdown of glucose are specifically pyruvate and energy [1][2]. Therefore, option 1 is the most accurate description of the products formed during the cytoplasmic phase of glucose metabolism.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.5 > p. 87
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.5 > p. 88