Pyruvate

Pyruvate/Pyruvic Acid

Cell Metabolism

Function/Purpose:

• Variable and verastile compound

Fundamentals:

Fate of pyruvate is variable:

• 1)Can be converted into acetaldehyde --> Ethanol
  • Ethanol Fermentation
• 2)Can be converted into lactate
  • Lactic Acid Fermentation
• 3)Can be converted into Acetyl CoA --> Carbon Dioxide and Water
  • Pyruvate Decarboxylation
  • TCA Cycle
• 4)Can be convterted into oxaloacetate --> Free GLC or Glycogen
  • Gluconeogenesis

Concepts:

• Compound vs Molceule - defs
• Carboxylic Acids

Terminology:

• Fermentations are ATP generating process in which organic compounds act as both donors and acceptors of electrons