Pyruvate can be converted to lactate instead of going to the preparatory reaction. Why does this occur?
A) The cells need lactate to produce ATP.
B) There is no sunlight.
C) The cells doing the reaction are prokaryotes.
D) Oxygen is not available.
E) There is a shortage of glucose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conversion of pyruvate to lactate occurs in the absence of oxygen, which suggests that D, "oxygen is not available", is the best choice. This process is known as anaerobic respiration, and it allows cells to continue producing ATP even when oxygen is limited.

Pyruvate Can Be Converted to Lactate Instead of Going to the Preparatory