Question

How is pyruvate used in human cells when oxygen is available?

Answer 1

Aerobic respiration:

1. The respiration that takes place inside the cell when oxygen is available is called aerobic respiration.
2. In the mitochondria, after oxidative decarbonization pyruvate is transported and acetyl CoA is produced.
3. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase.
4. The acetyl CoA that is produced after this reaction enters the Kreb's cycle.
5. When our body needs glucose pyruvate is converted to glucose by the process of gluconeogenesis.
6. Hence, it can be said that pyruvate is the main intermediate of several biochemical pathways.