NEETBotanyRespiration in Plants
What happens to NADH+H+ in the process of converting pyruvic acid to lactic acid?
Options
- AIt is oxidized to NAD+
- BIt is reduced to NADH2
- CIt is converted to FADH2
- DIt is used to produce ATP
Correct answer
A. It is oxidized to NAD+
Step-by-step solution
In fermentation, say by yeast, the incomplete oxidation of glucose is achieved under anaerobic conditions by sets of reactions where pyruvic acid is converted to CO2 and ethanol. The enzymes, pyruvic acid decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase catalyse these reactions. Other organisms like some bacteria produce lactic acid from pyruvic acid. The steps involved are shown in Figure 12.2. In animal cells also, like muscles during exercise, when oxygen is inadequate for cellular respiration pyruvic acid is reduced to