Pyruvic acid
Pyruvic Acid
Pyruvic Acid (pronounced: py-roo-vik as-id) is a key metabolite in cellular respiration, playing a critical role in the metabolic pathways of glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
Etymology
The term "Pyruvic Acid" is derived from the Greek word "pyr", meaning fire, and the Latin word "uva", meaning grape. This is due to the substance's discovery in the fermentation process of grapes.
Definition
Pyruvic Acid is a colorless liquid with a sour taste and pungent smell. It is an alpha-keto acid, meaning it contains both a carboxyl group and a ketone group. In its pure form, it is unstable and readily decomposes, but it can exist stably as a salt or ester.
Role in Metabolism
In the process of glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of Pyruvic Acid. This process generates energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The Pyruvic Acid then enters the citric acid cycle, where it is further broken down to release more ATP.
Related Terms
- Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into Pyruvic Acid.
- Citric Acid Cycle: Also known as the Krebs cycle, it is the sequence of reactions by which most living cells generate energy during the process of aerobic respiration.
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): The energy currency of life. It is the high-energy molecule that stores the energy we need to do just about everything we do.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyruvic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Pyruvic acid
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