The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water and energy takes place in
a) cytoplasm
b) mitochondria
c) chloroplast
d) nucleus

Options

A. cytoplasm
B. mitochondria
C. chloroplast
D. nucleus

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pyruvate Breakdown**: The question focuses on the breakdown of pyruvate, which is a product of glycolysis. This breakdown process is crucial for cellular respiration.

2. **Identifying the Products**: The breakdown of pyruvate results in the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy (in the form of ATP).

3. **Location of the Process**: The breakdown of pyruvate occurs in the presence of oxygen, which indicates that it is part of aerobic respiration.

4. **Organelle Responsible**: The organelle responsible for aerobic respiration, including the breakdown of pyruvate, is the mitochondria. This is where the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) occurs, leading to the production of ATP.

5. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- **Cytoplasm**: While glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, the breakdown of pyruvate does not.
- **Chloroplast**: This organelle is involved in photosynthesis, not in the breakdown of pyruvate.
- **Nucleus**: The nucleus is responsible for controlling genetic information and does not participate in energy production.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the above reasoning, the correct answer is **b) mitochondria**.

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