GENERAL HISTOLOGY

LIVER PANCREAS

LIVER

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Lactate (lactic acid) is broken down by the liver.What are possible products of breaking down lactate?I. glucoseII. pyruvateIII. carbon dioxide and water
A
I and II only
B
I and III only
C
II and III only
D
I, II and III
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -As a result, lactic acid in the body freely dissociates into the freestanding lactate molecule and lone hydrogen ions.

Detailed explanation-2: -The lactate exits the cells and is transported to the liver, where it is oxidized back to pyruvate and ultimately converted to glucose via the Cori cycle. However, all tissues can use lactate as an energy source, as it can be converted quickly back to pyruvate and enter into the Krebs cycle.

Detailed explanation-3: -The catabolism of lactate in cells occurs through two pathways. In one pathway, lactate is oxidized to pyruvate, which enters mitochondria and is metabolized through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In the other pathway, lactate is converted to glucose through gluconeogenesis.

Detailed explanation-4: -When the body has plenty of oxygen, pyruvate is shuttled to an aerobic pathway to be further broken down for more energy. But when oxygen is limited, the body temporarily converts pyruvate into a substance called lactate, which allows glucose breakdown-and thus energy production-to continue.

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