Number of oxygen molecules required for glycolytic breakdown of one glucose molecule is

Options

A. Zero
B. Three
C. Six
D. Thirty eight

Answer

To determine the number of oxygen molecules required for the glycolytic breakdown of one glucose molecule, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: Glycolysis is the first step in the process of cellular respiration where glucose is broken down to form pyruvic acid. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

2. **Process of Glycolysis**: During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose (which has six carbon atoms) is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid (which have three carbon atoms each). This process involves a series of ten enzymatic reactions.

3. **Oxygen Requirement**: One key aspect of glycolysis is that it does not require oxygen to occur. It can take place in both aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions.

4. **Conclusion**: Since glycolysis does not require oxygen for the breakdown of glucose, the number of oxygen molecules required for the glycolytic breakdown of one glucose molecule is zero.

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the answer to the question is that zero oxygen molecules are required for the glycolytic breakdown of one glucose molecule.