Which of the following processes occurs in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Glycolysis is the process that occurs in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells because it is a fundamental metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP (energy) and NADH in the process. This pathway is universal among living organisms, indicating its essential role in cellular respiration and energy production.

In prokaryotic cells, which lack membrane-bound organelles, glycolysis occurs directly in the cytoplasm. Similarly, in eukaryotic cells, though glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm as well, it serves as the first step before the pyruvate is shuttled into the mitochondria for further energy extraction through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

The other processes mentioned occur in specific cellular locations. Photosynthesis primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, DNA replication occurs within the nucleus in eukaryotic cells, and while protein synthesis starts in the cytoplasm, it involves the ribosomes which can be either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, a membrane-bound organelle. Therefore, glycolysis is unique in its operation in the cytoplasm across all cell types, making it the correct