Which biochemical pathway involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid?

The biochemical pathway that involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid is glycolysis. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and is the first step in cellular respiration. Glycolysis involves a series of ten enzyme-catalyzed reactions that convert one molecule of glucose, a six-carbon sugar, into two molecules of pyruvic acid, which are three-carbon compounds.

During glycolysis, a small amount of ATP is produced directly, as well as NADH, an electron carrier that will be used in later stages of cellular respiration. This pathway does not require oxygen, which is why it can also take place under anaerobic conditions. The successful conversion of glucose to pyruvic acid is essential for the subsequent stages of cellular respiration, which can include aerobic respiration or fermentation, depending on the availability of oxygen.