answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

This reaction generates NAD+ from NADH. You need NAD+ for glycolysis, so this conversion (pyruvate to lactate) regenerates one of the reactants needed for glycolysis to continue. You're usually taught that NADH is a source of energy, so getting rid of it when you are energy starved seems counterintuitive. However, when no oxygen is available, you can't use NADH as a source of energy because the electron transport chain is out of commission without oxygen.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

When oxygen is limited, pyruvate is converted to lactate in order to regenerate NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue producing ATP. This conversion helps to maintain the glycolytic pathway under anaerobic conditions and prevent a buildup of pyruvate.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why pyruvate is converted to lactate when oxygen is not available?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is pyruvate converted into when oxygen is not present?

lactate


Muscle cells when an individual is excerising heavily and when the muscle becomes oxygen deprived convert pyruvate to lactate What happens to the lactate in the skeletal muscle cells?

The lactate is taken to the liver and converted back to pyruvate.


Anaerobic conditions in animals pyruvate is converted to what?

In animals under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted to lactate through the process of lactate fermentation. This process helps regenerate NAD+ to continue glycolysis in the absence of oxygen.


What happen to pyruvate when absent of oxygen?

In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate is converted into lactate through a process called fermentation. This allows for the regeneration of NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue to produce ATP in the absence of oxygen.


What are the three possible fates of pyruvate and what conditions are necessary for each pathway?

Pyruvate can be converted to acetyl-CoA under aerobic conditions in the presence of oxygen, entering the citric acid cycle. It can be converted to lactate in anaerobic conditions when oxygen is limited. Pyruvate can also undergo fermentation to produce ethanol or lactic acid in certain microorganisms.


When oxygen is available pyruvate enters the what?

When oxygen is available, pyruvate enters the mitochondria to undergo aerobic respiration. In the mitochondria, pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA in the presence of oxygen, leading to the production of ATP through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.


Anaerobic glycolsis occurs without?

Anaerobic glycolysis occurs without the presence of oxygen. In this process, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating some ATP. Since oxygen is not available to accept the electrons and hydrogen ions produced during glycolysis, pyruvate is converted into either lactate or ethanol to regenerate NAD+ for continued ATP production.


What is is the order of the steps for cellular respiration?

1. Glucose is metabolised to form pyruvate (glycolysis) Anaerobic (without oxygen): - Pyruvate is converted to lactate or ethanol Aerobic (in the presence of oxygen): - Pyruvate is converted to acetyl CoA - Citric Acid Cycle - Electron transport chain


Muscle cells in oxygen deprivation convert pyruvate to?

Muscle cells in oxygen deprivation convert pyruvate to lactate through a process called anaerobic glycolysis. This allows for the generation of ATP in the absence of oxygen, but results in the build-up of lactate in the muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness.


What regenerates NAD plus as pyruvate is converted to ethanol or lactate?

During fermentation, NADH is oxidized back to NAD+ in order to continue glycolysis. This occurs by passing electrons from NADH to pyruvate to form either ethanol or lactate, depending on the organism. This process of regenerating NAD+ allows glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen.


What is the significance of the pyruvate to lactate during fermentation?

During fermentation, pyruvate is converted to lactate as a way to regenerate NAD+ from NADH, which is necessary to sustain glycolysis. This conversion allows glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen, providing cells with a way to generate ATP for energy production.


What is produced in the absence of oxygen during glycolysis?

In the absence of oxygen during glycolysis, pyruvate is converted into lactate through a process called fermentation. This allows glycolysis to continue generating ATP in the absence of oxygen by regenerating NAD+ from NADH, which is needed for glycolysis to proceed.