How does pyruvate turn into lactic acid?

Pyruvate converts into lactic acid through a process called lactic acid fermentation. This process occurs under anaerobic conditions (lack of oxygen) and is a way for cells to generate energy when oxygen is scarce. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how pyruvate turns into lactic acid:

Glycolysis: This is the first step of glucose metabolism, where one molecule of glucose (a six-carbon sugar) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate (a three-carbon compound). During glycolysis, a small amount of energy is produced in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and NAD+ is reduced to NADH.

Anaerobic Conditions: When oxygen is not available, cells cannot use the electron transport chain to regenerate NAD+ from NADH. The cell needs to find another way to regenerate NAD+ to keep glycolysis going.