Pyruvate

Broader Terms

Pyruvate may be regarded as the preliminary final product of the degradation - in a strictly formal sense - because it is here that the pathway ramifies: pyruvate is hydrated under anaerobic conditions resulting in either lactate (in lactic-acid bacteria) or ethanol (in yeast).
In cells or tissues with a high energy charge pyruvate is directed toward gluconeogenesis, but when the energy charge is low pyruvate is preferentially oxidized to CO2 and H2O in the TCA cycle, with generation of 15 equivalents of ATP per pyruvate.
Pyruvate is the compound to start the Krebs cycle.
Where is it found? Pyruvate is formed in the body as a byproduct of the normal metabolism of carbohydrates and protein and is present in several foods, including red apples, cheese, dark beer, and red wine.
Sodium pyruvate is a part of the body’s natural endogenous anti-oxidant defense system.

Would you like to discuss or post question about Pyruvate ? Click here !