Pyruvate -Definition, Structure, Formula and Biological Reactions

Pyruvate: Pyruvate is a key chemical compound in biochemistry, serving as the end product of glucose metabolism, specifically glycolysis. One glucose molecule breaks down into two pyruvate molecules, further utilised to generate energy through various pathways. Pyruvate is important in linking several biochemical processes, such as gluconeogenesis, fermentation, cellular respiration, and fatty acid synthesis. Detailed information on Pyruvate can be found in the NEET Biology Notes in the article below.

What is Pyruvate?

Pyruvate is a important three-carbon molecule in cellular respiration, marking the end of glycolysis, where cells convert glucose into energy. Under aerobic conditions (with oxygen), pyruvate enters the Krebs cycle, producing energy for the cell. In anaerobic conditions (without oxygen), pyruvate undergoes fermentation, producing ATP without oxygen. In humans, pyruvate converts to lactate; in plants and some bacteria, it converts to ethanol.

Pyruvate also serves as a precursor for synthesizing certain amino acids and participates in gluconeogenesis, the process of making glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. In essence, pyruvate is a pivotal molecule that drives energy production and other vital cellular processes.

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Pyruvate Structure

Pyruvate, also called 2-oxopropanoic acid, plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism. It manifests in two primary forms:

Pyruvic acid: This represents the neutral state of pyruvate, denoted by the molecular formula CH3COCOOH. It encompasses a carboxylic acid group (COOH) and a ketone group (C=O).

Pyruvate anion: This denotes the ionized state of pyruvate, which occurs when the carboxyl group relinquishes a proton (H+). It bears the molecular formula CH3COCOO- and carries a negative charge.

Pyruvate's capability to exist in neutral and ionized states enables its involvement in diverse metabolic processes.

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Pyruvate Formula

Pyruvate is al molecule in cellular metabolism, particularly in the process of glycolysis, where glucose is broken down to produce energy. Its chemical formula is C₃H₃O₃, reflecting its three carbon atoms, three oxygen atoms, and three hydrogen atoms. Pyruvate plays a pivotal role in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, serving as a key intermediate compound.

Pyruvate in Biological Reactions

Pyruvate plays a crucial role as an intermediate in various metabolic pathways within living organisms. It holds particular significance in the context of the NEET exam. Below are key metabolic reactions involving pyruvate:

1. Pyruvate Synthesis: This occurs during glycolysis, the initial step of cellular respiration. In glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of reactions to form pyruvate. Additionally, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is converted to pyruvate through enzymatic action, particularly by PEP carboxylase.
2. Pyruvate Carboxylation: This process is part of gluconeogenesis, which is the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. In gluconeogenesis, non-carbohydrate sources are first converted to pyruvate and then to glucose. Pyruvate is carboxylated to form oxaloacetate, a crucial step catalyzed by pyruvate carboxylase.
3. Pyruvate Oxidation or Decarboxylation: Pyruvate is converted to acetyl-CoA, which is essential for entering the Krebs cycle in aerobic respiration. Acetyl-CoA is also a vital intermediate in fatty acid synthesis. This conversion is facilitated by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
4. Pyruvate Reduction: In anaerobic respiration and fermentation, pyruvate is converted to lactate in animals. Alternatively, in alcoholic fermentation, pyruvate is converted to acetaldehyde and then to ethanol. Enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase mediate these conversions.
5. Pyruvate Transamination: Pyruvate participates in the formation of alanine through transamination. This process involves the conversion of pyruvate to alanine, catalyzed by alanine transaminase (ALT). Additionally, pyruvate and glutamate are converted into alanine and α-ketoglutarate, respectively.

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