Which of the following is an end product of glycosis in an RBC?
**Core Concept**
In red blood cells (RBCs), glycolysis is the primary pathway for energy production, as RBCs lack mitochondria and thus cannot utilize oxidative phosphorylation for energy production. The end product of glycolysis in RBCs is a crucial determinant of their energy metabolism.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In RBCs, glycolysis yields a net gain of 2 ATP molecules from 1 glucose molecule, which is the primary source of energy for these cells. The end product of glycolysis in RBCs is lactate, which is produced due to the low energy status and the lack of mitochondria in these cells. The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to lactate in RBCs.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Glucose is the substrate for glycolysis, not the end product.
**Option B:** ATP is produced during glycolysis, but it is not the end product.
**Option C:** Pyruvate is an intermediate in glycolysis, but it is not the end product in RBCs.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In RBCs, the conversion of pyruvate to lactate is facilitated by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which is a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway.
**Correct Answer:** C. Lactate