As a result, cells cannot autodigest anymore b/c enzymes are destroyed b/c buildup of acid. Mitochondrial system is totally shut down (no O2 at the end of the electron transport system – can only get 2 ATP with anaerobic glycolysis). Good news – get 2 ATP Bad news – build up of lactic acid in the cell and outside the cell (increased anion-gap metabolic acidosis with tissue hypoxia) due to lactic acidosis from anaerobic glycolysis. However, causes havoc inside the cell b/c increase of acid within a cell will denature proteins (with structural proteins messed up, the configuration will be altered) enzymes will be denatured, too. Performing anaerobic glycolysis, therefore surviving on 2 ATP per glucose if you have tissue hypoxia. Every cell (including RBC’s) in the body is capable of
Why do we have to use anaerobic glycolysis with tissue hypoxia? Mitochondria are the one that makes ATP however, with anaerobic glycolysis, you make 2 ATP without going into the mitochondria. Most imp: have to go into anaerobic glycolysis end product is lactic acid (pyruvate is converted to lactate b/c of increased NADH) need to make NAD, so that the NAD can feedback into the glycolytic cycle to make 2 more ATP.
