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Topic: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Glycolysis | Cori cycle | Lactic acidosis | O2 Debt
Author: Dr. KCN [MD Biochemistry] Page 1 of 3
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Glycolysis pathway [Miniature]:
• The step of glycolysis that converts glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is
a critical aspect of understanding both aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis. During this step, NAD+
is reduced to NADH, which is important for energy production in the body.
• However, the amount of NAD+ in a cell is relatively small (10-5 M) compared to the amount of
glucose that is metabolized in just a few minutes. Therefore, if the NADH formed in this step of
glycolysis is not continuously reoxidized and recycled back to NAD+, glycolysis would
eventually come to a halt.
• To prevent this from happening, there are two different mechanisms that can reoxidize NADH
back to NAD+. These mechanisms determine whether glycolysis is labeled as aerobic or
anaerobic. Understanding the distinction between these two processes is essential to
understanding the body's energy metabolism and its role in various physiological processes.
Aerobic Glycolysis (‘slow’ glycolysis)
For optimal use, it is recommended to pair these notes with my corresponding YouTube tutorial.
www.youtube.com/awesomebiochemistry
Topic: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Glycolysis | Cori cycle | Lactic acidosis | O2 Debt
Author: Dr. KCN [MD Biochemistry] Page 2 of 3
• Aerobic glycolysis refers to the breakdown of glucose molecules in the presence of oxygen to
produce energy.
• During this process, NAD+ is reoxidized by the electron transport chain (ETC), which is present
in the mitochondria. In addition to the regeneration of NAD+, oxidative phosphorylation in the
ETC also generates ATP.
• Therefore, for aerobic glycolysis to occur, both oxygen and functioning mitochondria are
necessary.
• Pyruvate is the end product of aerobic glycolysis
• Aerobic glycolysis generates more ATPs due to functioning oxidative phosphorylation
• ETC is slower process of regenerating NAD+, so entire glycolysis process becomes slow. Hence,
aerobic glycolysis is also known as “slow” Glycolysis.
Anaerobic glycolysis (‘fast’ glycolysis)
• Anaerobic glycolysis is a process of breaking down glucose to produce energy without using
oxygen. This happens when there is a lack of oxygen or when the mitochondria are not
functioning properly.
• During anaerobic glycolysis, an enzyme called Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) helps in
converting pyruvate to lactate while also regenerating NAD+ in the process. This NAD+ can be
reused by another enzyme called glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase to continue the
glycolysis process and generate ATP even in the absence of oxygen.
• Lactate is the end product of anaerobic glycolysis.
• Anaerobic glycolysis generates less ATPs than aerobic glycolysis
• Some cells, such as red blood cells, don't have mitochondria, and some tissues, like the lens,
cornea, and renal medulla, don't receive enough oxygen. These cells and tissues rely mainly on
anaerobic glycolysis to produce energy.
• Skeletal muscles usually have good blood supply, but when they are exercised, blood is
squeezed out of the muscle, leading to a shortage of oxygen. Additionally, the production of
For optimal use, it is recommended to pair these notes with my corresponding YouTube tutorial.
www.youtube.com/awesomebiochemistry
Topic: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Glycolysis | Cori cycle | Lactic acidosis | O2 Debt
Author: Dr. KCN [MD Biochemistry] Page 3 of 3
NADH exceeds the ability of the electron transport chain (ETC) to process it, which further
promotes anaerobic glycolysis in exercising skeletal muscles.
Cori Cycle
• The Cori cycle is a process that occurs in the liver and muscles where lactate is converted back
into glucose.
• During intense exercise, the body may rely on anaerobic glycolysis to produce energy, which
generates lactate as a byproduct. (Note: Lactate is a dead end in glycolysis)
• The lactate is transported to the liver, where it is converted back into glucose through a series
of enzymatic reactions (Gluconeogenesis). The glucose is then released back into the
bloodstream and transported to the muscles, where it can be reused. This cycle helps to
maintain glucose homeostasis and provide energy to the body during intense exercise.
Lactic acidosis(etiologies)
• Reference range of plasma lactate: 4-15 mg/dl
• Elevation of plasma lactate level is known as lactic acidosis
• Mild for of lactic acidosis occurs in: strenuous exercise, shock, respiratory distress, cancers etc
• Severe form of lactic acidosis occurs in: collapse of circulatory system e.g. Myocardial
infarction, pulmonary embolism, uncontrolled hemorrhage and severe shock
• Lactic acidosis occurs whenever oxygen supply to tissue is hampered. Lesser the oxygen
supply, higher the lactate level
• O2 Debt: The amount of oxygen required to remove the excess lactic acid is known as O2 debt.
For optimal use, it is recommended to pair these notes with my corresponding YouTube tutorial.
