Using Molecular Visualization Software, Pymol, to understand metabolic enzymes: Lactate Dehydrogenase

Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate to generate energy. When we are conducting strenuous exercise, our cells can quickly deplete their stored glucose. This leads to a limited amount of NAD+ in our bodies which is necessary for the continuation of glycolysis. For my project, I will be studying the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, which is responsible for restoring NAD+ levels through the oxidation of pyruvate into lactic acid. The NAD+ can then be used to continue glycolysis, which in turn, provides more energy for more exercise. In this video, I will show the tetrameric structure of lactate dehydrogenase, how NAD and pyruvate fit in its active site, and describe how its structure is important to this redox reaction.