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C1.2.9 (HL)—Pyruvate → lactate

In animal anaerobic respiration, pyruvate is reduced to lactate while reduced NAD is oxidized back to NAD, supporting usable cellular work and measurable biological activity.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
C1.2.9
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing2%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1A
Typical marks1–2

Common command terms

  • Outline

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper1A ["HL"] · TZ35[ 1 ]C1.2.9 (HL)—Pyruvate → lactate
May 2025Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ16(c)[ 2 ]C1.2.9 (HL)—Pyruvate → lactate
Practice this objective

Coverage 2025–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Pyruvate is reduced to lactate in animal anaerobic respiration.
  • Reduced NAD is oxidized back to NAD during lactate formation.
  • Regenerated NAD allows glycolysis to continue.
  • This pathway supports limited ATP production without oxygen.
ConceptIB Biology HL