In a typical eukaryotic cell, where does glycolysis occur?

• A. In the nucleus
• B. On the inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae)
• C. In the cytosol (cytoplasm)
• D. In the mitochondrial matrix

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the main cellular compartments involved in metabolism: the nucleus, cytosol (cytoplasm), mitochondrial matrix, and inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae).
2. Understand that glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate to generate ATP and NADH without requiring oxygen.
3. Recognize that glycolysis occurs in the cytosol (cytoplasm) because it does not require membrane-bound organelles or oxygen, unlike later stages of cellular respiration.
4. Note that the mitochondrial matrix is where the Krebs cycle occurs, and the inner mitochondrial membrane is where the electron transport chain takes place, so glycolysis does not happen there.
5. Conclude that glycolysis takes place in the cytosol, outside of the nucleus and mitochondria.