Question

When a molecule of pyruvic acid is subjected to anaerobic oxidation and forms lactic acid, there is

• A. Loss of 3 ATP molecules
• B. Loss of 6 ATP molecules
• C. Gain of 2 ATP molecules
• D. Gain of 4 ATP molecules

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Loss of 3 ATP molecules

The pyruvate is formed during the glycolysis of the glucose. In the absence of oxygen, the pyruvate is subjected to the anaerobic oxidation to produce the lactic acid with the utilization of 3 ATP and regeneration of the 2 NADH that will be used again in the process of glycolysis.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Loss of 3 ATP molecules'