What is the final product of lactic acid fermentation from pyruvic acid?

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Lactic acid fermentation is a specific type of anaerobic respiration that occurs when oxygen is not available for cellular respiration. In this process, pyruvic acid, which is produced during glycolysis, serves as the substrate. The primary function of lactic acid fermentation is to regenerate NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue, enabling the production of ATP.

During the process, the pyruvic acid undergoes a reduction reaction, where it gains electrons and is converted into lactic acid. This transformation is facilitated by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, which helps in the conversion of pyruvate into lactic acid while simultaneously oxidizing NADH back to NAD+. The accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells can lead to fatigue, but it serves as a means to sustain energy production in the absence of oxygen.

Thus, the final product of lactic acid fermentation from pyruvic acid is indeed lactic acid, which is utilized by cells in various metabolic pathways under anaerobic conditions.

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