AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
The first step in the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration is glycolysis, in which glucose is broken down into pyruvate in the cytoplasm.
Examiners expect the term "glycolysis" and its location (cytoplasm). This is a 1-mark question, so one clear line naming the process is sufficient. Note: the passage (Exercise Q4) confirms that pyruvate breakdown occurs in mitochondria — implying the prior step, glycolysis, occurs in the cytoplasm, as taught in the chapter.