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What is Pyruvate

Answer: Pyruvate is one of the essential compounds located at the crossroads of several metabolic pathways. It is one among the glycolysis end products that is delivered to the mitochondria as part of the citric acid cycle.

In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate undergoes fermentation to generate lactate. The regeneration of glucose is achievable with both pyruvate and lactate. Pyruvate is used in the anabolic synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.

Pyruvate is produced in two ways:

  1. Through the glycolytic pathway
  2. Through amino acid’s metabolism 

Pyruvate’s structure is based on pyruvic acid, which is the conjugate base of this acid. Three carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, and a ketone functional group make up this compound.