Where in the human body does pyruvate undergo aerobic breakdown?

Correct option is A

Sol: The correct answer is (a) Mitochondria

Key points:

• ​Mitochondria: Known as the "powerhouses" of the cell, mitochondria are the sites where pyruvate undergoes aerobic breakdown.
• This process, known as cellular respiration, involves the conversion of pyruvate into carbon dioxide and water while producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell.
• ​Mitochondria have a unique structure with two membranes. The inner membrane is folded into structures called cristae, which increase the surface area for energy production.
  
• Mitochondria have their own DNA, which is separate from the nuclear DNA. This mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally (from the mother).
  

Information booster:

• Cytoplasm: Glycolysis, the initial breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, occurs in the cytoplasm, but the aerobic breakdown of pyruvate happens in the mitochondria.

• Muscles: While muscles are the sites of many metabolic processes, the specific aerobic breakdown of pyruvate occurs in the mitochondria within muscle cells.

• Nucleus: The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and is not involved in the breakdown of pyruvate.