Question

Explain why converting pyruvate to ethanol is important in allowing the continued production of ATP in anaerobic respiration. (2)

a) Converting pyruvate to ethanol is not important in anaerobic respiration.
b) Ethanol production helps to generate additional oxygen.
c) Converting pyruvate to ethanol regenerates NAD, allowing glycolysis to continue.
d) Ethanol is a source of energy in anaerobic respiration.

Answer 1

Converting pyruvate to ethanol is important in allowing the continued production of ATP in anaerobic respiration because it regenerates NAD, which is essential for glycolysis to continue.

Step-by-step explanation:

Converting pyruvate to ethanol is important in allowing the continued production of ATP in anaerobic respiration because it regenerates NAD, which is essential for glycolysis to continue. In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate cannot enter the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, so it needs to be converted into a compound that can accept electrons from NADH. Ethanol serves as this compound, allowing NAD to be regenerated and glycolysis to proceed. Therefore, option c) Converting pyruvate to ethanol regenerates NAD, allowing glycolysis to continue, is the correct answer.