Pyruvate is the end-product of glycolysis.Many organisms,such as anaerobic bacteria,can only produce energy by glycolysis; therefore,pyruvate has no more potential for ATP generation for these organisms.Rather than simply excrete pyruvate,this molecule is changed to another molecule such as lactate.In these organisms,why is pyruvate changed to lactate and excreted,rather than simply excreted?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pyruvate is changed to lactate by the addition of electrons (and protons) to make use of the excess NADH generated during glycolysis. This process is called fermentation, and it is essential for the regeneration of NAD+ in anaerobic organisms. Lactate is excreted because it does not build up in the cell like pyruvate, which requires more energy to export out of the cell. Thus, both choices B and C are correct.

Pyruvate Is the End-Product of Glycolysis