During anaerobic conditions, the fate of pyruvate differs between yeast and human muscle cells. Which of the following correctly identifies the specific enzymes involved in these two pathways and the essential metabolic outcome shared by both?

Step-by-step solution

In yeast, the incomplete oxidation of glucose under anaerobic conditions converts pyruvic acid to CO ₂ and ethanol. This is catalysed by the enzymes pyruvic acid decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase. In animal cells such as muscles during strenuous exercise, pyruvic acid is reduced to lactic acid by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Although the products and enzymes differ, the essential shared outcome of both fermentation pathways is the reoxidation of NADH (produced during glycolysis) to NAD ⁺ . This regenerat