Explain the process of the breakdown of glucose by various pathways.

By Shivank Goel|Updated : August 11th, 2022

Blood sugar or glucose is the main sugar found in human blood. It is the main source of energy.

The important source of glucose is carbohydrates.

Glucose is oxidized to provide energy to the body.

Various ways of the process of breakdown of glucose are

(a) Aerobic respiration :

It occurs in the presence of oxygen.

The stages of glucose breakdown can be divided into four distinct phases such as glycolysis, the preparatory reaction, Citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.

Glucose is converted into Pyruvate which in turn produces carbon dioxide and water along with the generation of heat.

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(b) Anaerobic respiration:

It occurs in the absence of oxygen.

Fermentation is an anaerobic method of the breakdown of glucose.

(i) Lactic acid fermentation:

It occurs in the muscles where lactic acid is transported to the liver from the bloodstream.

Lactic acid is converted into pyruvate.

(ii) Alcoholic fermentation:

It occurs in yeast.

Glucose is converted into pyruvate by glycolysis.

Pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Therefore, the process of the breakdown of glucose by various pathways is mentioned above.

Summary: