Step 1: Understanding glycolysis.
Both aerobic and anaerobic respiration begin with glycolysis, a common metabolic pathway in the cytoplasm of cells.
Step 2: End product of glycolysis.
Glycolysis produces pyruvic acid as the end product, which serves as the starting point for further respiration pathways.
Step 3: Aerobic respiration pathway.
In aerobic conditions, pyruvate enters mitochondria and is completely oxidized to CO2 and H2O.
Step 4: Anaerobic respiration pathway.
In anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid or ethanol depending on organism type.
Step 5: Commonality analysis.
Pyruvic acid is the common intermediate present in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration pathways.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is pyruvic acid.