What is the fate of pyruvate produced in glycolysis?

The fate of pyruvate produced in glycolysis depends on the oxygen availability. In the presence of oxygen (aerobic conditions), pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle for further ATP production. In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), pyruvate undergoes fermentation. In muscle cells, it is converted into lactate (lactic acid fermentation), and in yeast, pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide (alcoholic fermentation). Both processes regenerate NAD+ for glycolysis to continue.