In cells relying exclusively upon glycolysis and substrate-level phosphorylation for ATP production, why is the production of reduced intermediates from pyruvate so essential?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reduction of pyruvate to lactate or other products allows for the oxidation of NADH to NAD+, which is crucial for the continuation of glycolysis. Glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, requires NAD+ as a substrate to continue converting glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate, thereby facilitating the ongoing production of ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation.

In Cells Relying Exclusively Upon Glycolysis and Substrate-Level Phosphorylation for ATP