Anaerobic Glycolysis
Anaerobic glycolysis is a metabolic process in which glucose, a sugar molecule, is broken down without the use of oxygen. Like aerobic glycolysis, which metabolizes glucose in the presence of oxygen, it produces energy for the cells. Breaking down glucose without using oxygen also produces lactate, however, and when the process is prolonged, it generally leads to lactic acidosis, which is a decrease in the pH level of the blood. It is usually alleviated when normal oxygen levels return to the cell and aerobic glycolysis takes over.
Typically, anaerobic glycolysis occurs in muscle cells during vigorous physical activity. When the energy requirement for a particular action is not
adequately met by aerobic means, the muscle cells process glucose without the use of oxygen in order to produce energy quickly. Eventually, the surrounding
tissue is flooded with lactate, and the muscle activity generally decreases. As the lactate concentration increases in the blood, it is
slowly converted back to glucose in the liver with the aid of oxygen.
Typically, anaerobic glycolysis occurs in muscle cells during vigorous physical activity. When the energy requirement for a particular action is not
adequately met by aerobic means, the muscle cells process glucose without the use of oxygen in order to produce energy quickly. Eventually, the surrounding
tissue is flooded with lactate, and the muscle activity generally decreases. As the lactate concentration increases in the blood, it is
slowly converted back to glucose in the liver with the aid of oxygen.
Certain cells and tissues convert glucose to lactate even in the presence of oxygen, including red blood cells and cells of the retina. Since the earliest
cells had to thrive in conditions that were void of oxygen, metabolic pathways such as anaerobic glycolysis evolved to produce energy.
cells had to thrive in conditions that were void of oxygen, metabolic pathways such as anaerobic glycolysis evolved to produce energy.