How the ‘Aerobic/Anaerobic Glycolysis’ Meme Formed a ‘Habit of Mind’ Which Impedes Progress in the Field of Brain Energy Metabolism

Abstract

The division of glycolysis into two separate pathways, aerobic and anaerobic, depending on the presence or absence of oxygen, respectively, was formulated over eight decades ago. The former ends with pyruvate, while the latter ends with lactate. Today, this division is confusing and misleading as research over the past 35 years clearly has demonstrated that glycolysis ends with lactate not only in cancerous cells but also in healthy tissues and cells. The present essay offers a review of the history of said division and the more recent knowledge that has been gained about glycolysis and its end-product, lactate. Then, it presents arguments in an attempt to explain why separating glycolysis into aerobic and anaerobic pathways persists among scientists, clinicians and teachers alike, despite convincing evidence that such division is not only wrong scientifically but also hinders progress in the field of energy metabolism.