where does glycolysis occur?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm (cytosol) of cells, in virtually all living organisms.

Core answer

• In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm, not inside mitochondria or other organelles.

• It is the first stage of cellular respiration and happens whether or not oxygen is present (aerobic and anaerobic conditions).

Quick Scoop

• Location: Cytoplasm/cytosol of the cell.

• Applies to: Nearly all cell types across all domains of life.

• Role: Breaks one glucose (6‑carbon) into two pyruvate (3‑carbon) molecules while producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.