During anaerobic respiration, pyruvate is converted to lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Explain the significance of this reaction.

This reaction involves a transfer of hydrogen from NADH to pyruvate to produce lactate and NAD⁺. In order for glycolysis to continue to produce ATP for the cell to use, NAD⁺ is required and the recycling of NADH back to NAD⁺ by lactate dehydrogenase facilitates this. The ability to produce ATP anaerobically through glycolysis ensures that an organism can continue to release energy in situations of oxygen stress such as an intense sprint.