Question

How does lactate dehydrogenase produce ATP?

Answer 1

Adenosine Triphosphate(ATP):

1. Mitochondria is the powerhouse of cells that are generally involved in the production of energy currency which is ATP.
2. ATP apart from energy production also synthesize the macromolecules that are required by the cell for their survival.
3. ATP can be used to switch to control chemical reactions and send messages.

Lactate dehydrogenase function:

1. Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is present in almost all living organisms.
2. Its main function is to convert the end product of glycolysis which is pyruvic acid into lactic acid.
3. This conversion by lactate dehydrogenase takes place in the absence of oxygen.
4. During this conversion process, hydrogen is released from NADH, forming an NAD⁺ molecule, also two molecules of ATP are generated during the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.
5. Lactate dehydrogenase functions in maintaining homeostasis when anaerobic conditions arise in the body.

The equation for the above-given conversion is as follows:

C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) → 2CH₃CHOHCOOH (lactic acid)

1. This reaction takes place in the presence of Lactobacillus and lactate dehydrogenase.

Figure showing lactic acid fermentation: