Question

The conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid in homolactic fermentation is catalyzed by

• A. Lactate dehydrogenase
• B. Pyruvate dehydrogenase
• C. Lactase
• D. Pyruvate decarboxylase

Hint:

In anaerobic conditions, lactate dehydrogenase converts pyruvate into lactic acid, completing the process of homolactic fermentation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In homolactic fermentation, the conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid is catalyzed by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This enzyme facilitates the reduction of pyruvate into lactic acid, a key step in anaerobic respiration.
- Option (A) is correct because lactate dehydrogenase is the enzyme responsible for this conversion.
- Option (B) is incorrect because pyruvate dehydrogenase is involved in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in aerobic respiration.
- Option (C) is incorrect because lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, not involved in lactic acid fermentation.
- Option (D) is incorrect because pyruvate decarboxylase is involved in alcohol fermentation, not lactic acid fermentation. Thus, the correct answer is (A).
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{Lactate dehydrogenase.}} \]