Lactic acid is turned back into pyruvate in the liver. Which statement best describes the body's purpose in making lactic acid from pyruvate in the first place? A) To cause "the burn" during strenuous exercise. B) To raise the pH of the immediate environment. C) To produce NAD+ for use in glycolysis. D) To produce FADH₂ for use in glycolysis. E) To regenerate ADP.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The body's purpose in producing lactic acid from pyruvate during anaerobic respiration is to regenerate NAD+ for use in glycolysis. When oxygen is not available to cells, glycolysis still occurs but the subsequent steps of cellular respiration cannot take place, leading to a buildup of NADH. By converting pyruvate to lactic acid, NADH is converted back to NAD+, allowing glycolysis to continue to produce ATP.

Lactic Acid Is Turned Back into Pyruvate in the Liver