What is the Difference Between Lactate and Lactate Dehydrogenase?

Lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are related to each other in the context of anaerobic glycolysis and cellular respiration. The key difference between lactate and lactate dehydrogenase is that lactate is the deprotonated form of lactic acid, whereas lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is important in converting lactate into pyruvate.

• Lactate: Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, which occurs when oxygen is inadequately supplied to cells. It is the deprotonated form of lactic acid, and its formation is crucial in the metabolism of glucose under such conditions. Lactate can also be formed and utilized by different cell types under fully aerobic conditions.
• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): LDH is an enzyme found in nearly all living cells that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to lactate and back, as it converts NAD+ to NADH and back. It is a terminating enzyme in the metabolic pathway of anaerobic glycolysis, with the end product being lactate from glucose. LDH is also involved in the Cori cycle in the liver, where it performs the reverse reaction, converting lactate back to pyruvate.

In summary, lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, while lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the interconversion of lactate and pyruvate in cellular respiration.

Comparative Table: Lactate vs Lactate Dehydrogenase

Lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are related to each other through the process of glycolysis, which is the metabolism of glucose in the absence of oxygen. Here is a table comparing the differences between lactate and lactate dehydrogenase:

In summary, lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, while lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of lactate from pyruvate during glycolysis. Both lactate and LDH can be measured in blood or other body fluids, and their levels can provide insights into various physiological and pathological conditions.