Chapter 24, Problem 24.44EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the overall reaction equation for the conversion of pyruvate to lactate.

Concept introduction: Pyruvate is the end product in the glycolysis. The production of the fate of pyruvate varies with the nature of the organism and the cellular conditions. The three common fates of pyruvate are as follows:

Aerobic reactions need oxygen while anaerobic reactions don’t need oxygen. Pyruvate forms $\text{acetyl CoA}$ under oxygen-rich conditions.

The fermentation process is an alternative method that oxidized NADH to ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$ under anaerobic conditions.