What is the equation for lactic acid fermentation?

When your body is exercising at a very rapid rate it runs out of oxygen at the muscular level. When this happens, the regular pathway of cellular respiration is replaced by lactic acid fermentation in order to continue to provide energy to the muscle cells. The equation for this process is

C6H12O6 (glucose) → 2 CH3CHOHCOOH (lactic acid) + 2 ATP (energy)

This is the shorthand version; as with most chemical reactions in living systems there are steps along the way. For lactic acid fermentation, these intermediate steps involve electron transfer between NADH molecules and creation of pyruvate. The end product of lactic acid contributes to the feeling of sore muscles.

Lactic acid fermentation is also performed by certain types of bacteria, and is utilized to produce yogurt, cheese, and pickles. The common feature is lack of oxygen. Other six carbon sugars such as sucrose can also undergo this process.