Question

What functional group of pyruvate is reduced when pyruvate is converted to lactate?

Short answer

The ketone functional group of pyruvate is changes when it converted into lactate.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Conversion of pyruvate to lactate

Fermentation is a process by which pyruvate is converted into lactate.In a human body if a cell lacks mitochondria then it is poorly oxygenated and energy demand is rapidly increased. So to fulfill the energy demandpyruvate can be converted to lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase.

Functional group change in pyruvate to lactate conversion

Functional group change

If we observe the change then the ketone functional group of pyruvate is reduced and get converted into an alcoholic functional group.