a) Explain the glucose breakdown by …

It involves the formation of a new individual from a protrusion called bud. It is very common in plants, yeasts and lower-level animals such as Hydra.

In Hydra, the cells divide rapidly at a specific site and develop as an outgrowth called bud. These buds, while attached to the parent body, develop into small individuals. When this individual becomes large enough, it detaches itself from the parent body to exist as an independent individual.

Glucose is broken down into a three carbon molecule called pyruvate in the cell cytoplasm. Pyruvate is further broken down by different ways to provide energy in various organisms. Pyruvate is broken down in different ways in different organisms as shown below:

i.In yeast cells, during fermentation, pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide in the absence of oxygen.

ii. In mitochondria, breakdown of pyruvate takes place in presence of oxygen to give rise three molecules of carbon dioxide and water.

iii. Sometimes, when there is lack of oxygen, especially during vigorous activity, in our muscles, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid. Concept insight: Students should know various types of respiration.