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Multiple Choice
Why is pyruvate converted to lactate in anaerobic conditions?
A
To produce more ATP than aerobic respiration
B
To increase the pH of the cell
C
To store energy in the form of lactate
D
To regenerate NAD+ for glycolysis to continue
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH in the process.
Recognize that under anaerobic conditions, oxygen is not available to accept electrons in the electron transport chain, which prevents NADH from being converted back to NAD+.
Realize that without NAD+, glycolysis cannot continue because NAD+ is required to accept electrons during the conversion of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate.
Learn that converting pyruvate to lactate allows the regeneration of NAD+ from NADH, enabling glycolysis to continue producing ATP anaerobically.
Conclude that the conversion of pyruvate to lactate is a way to maintain ATP production under anaerobic conditions by ensuring a continuous supply of NAD+ for glycolysis.