Fate of Pyruvate in Anaerobic Conditions

Very Hard Biochemistry Metabolism

Metabolism encompasses a series of biochemical reactions essential for maintaining life. One critical pathway is glycolysis, which converts glucose into pyruvate while generating ATP and NADH. In the context of anaerobic respiration, the fate of pyruvate can diverge from aerobic conditions. Considering the role of fermentation in muscles under anaerobic conditions, which of the following statements correctly describes the outcome of pyruvate in the absence of oxygen?

Pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA to enter the Krebs cycle.

Pyruvate is converted into lactate to regenerate NAD<sup>+</sup>.

Pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation to produce ethanol.

Pyruvate is completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water.

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