QUESTION IMAGE
Question
multiple choice question
when will a human cell produce lactic acid from pyruvic acid and nadh?
if there is too much oxygen available
if carbon dioxide levels increase in the cell
at all times (pyruvic acid is always converted to lactic acid in human cells)
if there is not enough oxygen available
need help? review these concept resources.
rate your confidence to submit your answer.
high
medium
low
reading
© 2025 mcgraw hill. all rights reserved. privacy center terms of use
In human cells, when oxygen is insufficient, pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid through a process called lactic - acid fermentation. This occurs to regenerate NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue to produce ATP. When there is enough oxygen, pyruvic acid enters the mitochondria and is further oxidized in the citric acid cycle. Carbon dioxide levels do not directly trigger this conversion to lactic acid, and pyruvic acid is not always converted to lactic acid in human cells.
Snap & solve any problem in the app
Get step-by-step solutions on Sovi AI
Photo-based solutions with guided steps
Explore more problems and detailed explanations
If there is not enough oxygen available