Question

Considering the role of Lactate Dehydrogenase in metabolism, thoroughly explain:

a. Why a deficiency in the muscle form of lactate dehydrogenase makes it difficult for an individual with this condition to quickly run up three flights of stairs, but does not cause lactic acidosis.

b. Why a deficiency in the liver form of lactate dehydrogenase leads to hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. Are there conditions where this would be more of an issue?

Answer 1

ANSWER :

a) Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that found in almost all body cells and is necessary for conversion of lactate or lactic acid (produced after anaerobic respiration) into pyruvate (end product of glycolysis). If does not produced sufficiently in myocytes, creates muscles pain hence, that person is not able to quickly run up to three stairs.

b) The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase is produced in the liver and necessary for energy production in the cells via anaerobic respiration of lactic acid. Hence, if does not produced, the consumption of glucose would increase via aerobic respiration in the cells hence, hypoglycemia could be lead in that individuals and lactic acidosis due deposition of lactic acid in the body cells.