What is the outcome after glycolysis in anaerobic respiration?

In anaerobic respiration, glycolysis occurs in the absence of oxygen and results in the partial breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. When oxygen is not available, the pyruvate is then converted into lactic acid. This process allows the regeneration of NAD+, which is essential for glycolysis to continue and produce ATP.

The formation of lactic acid is a crucial pathway that helps cells maintain energy production temporarily under anaerobic conditions. This process is particularly evident in human muscle cells during strenuous exercise when oxygen levels may be low, leading to lactic acid accumulation.

Other outcomes mentioned, such as induction of carbon dioxide, production of glucose, and yield of ATP, do not accurately describe the primary result of anaerobic glycolysis. For example, carbon dioxide is typically associated with aerobic respiration or yeast fermentation, while glucose production would imply a different metabolic pathway, and while ATP is produced during glycolysis, the question specifically focuses on the primary outcome of the anaerobic pathway, which is lactic acid formation.