Pyruvate to Lactate Conversion: Understanding the Process & Implications

Pyruvate is converted to lactate when triggered by an enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase. This conversion occurs during exercise when not enough oxygen is getting to the muscles. A small amount of energy is released to the muscles during this conversion. Pyruvate is turned into carbon dioxide and water when oxygen is available, allowing a much greater release of energy. People who are born without the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase may have muscle stiffness and fatigue when they exercise and may have problems giving birth.

Things You'll Need

• Pyruvate
• Lactate dehydrogenase enzyme
• Anaerobic (low oxygen) environment
• 2 Hydrogen atoms

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Instructions

Converting Pyruvate to Lactate

• 1

  Lactate dehydrogenase only converts pyruvate.

  Pyruvate attaches to the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. This enzyme will only convert pyruvate.

• 2

  The enzyme causes a reaction by holding pyruvate and NADH close to each other.

  NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) also attaches to the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme. The NADH and pyruvate are now close to each other.

• 3

  Hydrogen molecules attach to the pyruvate, turning it into lactate.

  Two hydrogens leave the NADH and attach to the pyruvate. This turns pyruvate into lactate and converts NADH to NAD.

• 4

  Lactate leaves the muscles and enters the blood.

  Lactate travels out of the muscle and into the bloodstream.

• 5

  Lactate is either broken down for fuel by the heart muscle, or travels back to the liver to be recycled into pyruvate.