Q487
When a molecule of pyruvic acid is subjected to anaerobic oxidation and forms lactic acid, there is
A.
Loss of 3 ATP molecules
AnswerB.
Loss of 6 ATP molecules
C.
Gain of 2 ATP molecules
D.
Gain of 4 ATP molecules
Answer: Option A
Solution
Answer: Option A
Solution:
When a molecule of pyruvic acid is subjected to anaerobic oxidation and forms lactic acid, there is a Loss of 3 ATP molecules.Pyruvic acid can be made from glucose through glycolysis, converted back to carbohydrates (such as glucose) via gluconeogenesis, or to fatty acids through a reaction with acetyl-CoA. It can also be used to construct the amino acid alanine and can be converted into ethanol or lactic acid via fermentation.
Pyruvic acid supplies energy to cells through the citric acid cycle when oxygen is present (aerobic respiration), and alternatively ferments to produce lactate when oxygen is lacking.