Question

Q6). Although one of its reactions is an oxidation, glycolysis can proceed in the absence of oxygen because...

A) the oxidation that occurs at one step is balanced by the transfer of its electrons to other inorganic oxidizing agents.

B) the oxidation that occurs at one step is balanced by the reduction that occurs during gluconeogenesis.

C) the oxidation that occurs at one step is balanced by the reduction that occurs when pyruvate is converted to lactate or ethanol and carbon dioxide.

D) the oxidation that occurs at one step is balanced by the oxidation of NADH in the final step of the sequence.

Answer 1

Glycolysis can proceed in the absence of oxygen due to fermentation, which allows for the regeneration of NAD+ and the continuation of glycolysis. This is achieved by converting pyruvate to either lactate or ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycolysis is the initial step in glucose metabolism and can proceed in the absence of oxygen due to the process of fermentation. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate can be further metabolized through fermentation, which regenerates NAD+ and allows glycolysis to continue. This is achieved by converting pyruvate to either lactate or ethanol and carbon dioxide.