Pyruvate

Definition

Pyruvate is a three-carbon compound that forms as an end product of glycolysis. It's the key junction in cellular metabolism, since it can either be used to generate energy via the citric acid cycle or converted into various other molecules.

Related terms

Glycolysis:

This is the process by which glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP and NADH.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): This is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and chemical energy in the form of ATP.

Acetyl CoA:

A molecule that participates in many biochemical reactions in protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Its main function is to deliver the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) to be oxidized for energy production.