Question

A human cell has a mutation in the gene that encodes the enzyme that generates lactate from pyruvate, rendering that enzyme completely non-functional.

Assuming that there is ample glucose present, how would this cell generate energy in the presence of oxygen?

A) Glycolysis coupled with ethanol fermentation.
B) Aerobic respiration.
C) Primarily through the break down of proteins into amino acids.
D) This cell would have no way to generate energy under these conditions. because it cannot carry out the reactions needed for glycolysis

Answer 1

B

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycolysis is the process of production of pyruvate from glucose by various enzymatic steps.

This pyruvate is further used in different ways; as it is differently used in the presence of oxygen or in the absence of oxygen.

In the absence of oxygen, lactate is generated form pyruvate, as given here, if this enzyme is non-functional, then lactate would not be produced.

In the presence of oxygen, pyruvate is oxidized in TCA cycle and finally through electron transport chain, energy in generated.