OCR GCSE Biology 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 1090

What is the primary role of the cytoplasm in anaerobic respiration?

Where oxygen is stored

Where enzymes are made and anaerobic respiration reactions occur

The primary role of the cytoplasm in anaerobic respiration is where enzymes are made and the reactions of anaerobic respiration occur. In the cytoplasm, glucose undergoes glycolysis, which is the first stage of cellular respiration, occurring whether oxygen is present or not. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, and a small amount of ATP is produced without the need for oxygen. Furthermore, in the case of anaerobic respiration, pyruvate can then be converted into either ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast or lactic acid in animal cells, completing the anaerobic process. This critical activity of enzyme action and metabolic reactions takes place in the cytoplasm, highlighting its vital role in conditions where aerobic respiration isn't possible.

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To remove waste products

To synthesize glucose

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