What is the Difference Between LDH and Lactic Acid?

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and lactic acid are two different compounds involved in the cellular respiration process. The main differences between them are:

1. Function: LDH is an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion of lactate to pyruvate, while lactic acid is an organic acid produced when glucose is broken down to generate ATP in anaerobic conditions.
2. Structure: LDH is a tetrameric enzyme with a molecular weight of 144,000 g/mol, while lactic acid has a molecular weight of 90.08 g/mol.
3. Formation: LDH is present in almost all body tissues and is involved in the anaerobic metabolic pathway, producing lactic acid as an end product through a fermentation reaction.
4. Usage: LDH is used as a marker enzyme to predict mortality in various conditions such as ARDS, serious COVID-19, and cancer patients. Lactic acid can affect the immune system, act as a signaling molecule, and regulate pH. It is also used in food manufacturing to increase shelf life and treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven skin complexion.

In summary, LDH is an enzyme involved in the anaerobic metabolic pathway that produces lactic acid as an end product, while lactic acid is an organic acid generated in anaerobic conditions.

Comparative Table: LDH vs Lactic Acid

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and lactic acid are two compounds involved in anaerobic respiration. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Both LDH and lactic acid are involved in anaerobic respiration and play a pivotal role in cellular respiration. They both contribute to ATP production without oxygen, but they have different functions and industrial applications.