Lactate aldolase

The enzyme lactate aldolase catalyzes the chemical reaction


 * (S)-lactate $$\rightleftharpoons$$ formate + acetaldehyde

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the aldehyde-lyases, which cleave carbon-carbon bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is (S)-lactate acetaldehyde-lyase (formate-forming). Other names in common use include lactate synthase, and (S)-lactate acetaldehyde-lyase. This enzyme participates in pyruvate metabolism.