When muscle cells lack oxygen but need to generate more ATP, what do they convert pyruvate into?
X: product
Y: reactant
X: active site
Y: reactant
X: substrate
Y: product
X: substrate
Y: active site
When muscle cells lack oxygen but need to generate more ATP, they convert pyruvate into substrate (X) and product (Y).
When muscle cells lack oxygen but need to generate more ATP, they go through a process called anaerobic respiration. In anaerobic respiration, pyruvate, which is the end product of glycolysis, is converted into lactic acid. This conversion allows the muscle cells to continue generating ATP in the absence of oxygen.
So, in answer to your question, when muscle cells lack oxygen but need to generate more ATP, they convert pyruvate into lactic acid. Therefore, the correct answer is:
X: Lactic acid (product)
Y: Pyruvate (reactant)