Question

What is the chief end product of pyruvate metabolism?

Answer 1

Synthesis of pyruvate:

1. It is produced by breaking down the glucose by glycolysis.
2. Breakdown of one glucose molecule results in the synthesis of two pyruvate molecules.

The fate of pyruvate:

1. In mitochondria, oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate is done by the action of an enzyme known as pyruvate dehydrogenase.
2. Metabolism of pyruvate results in the formation of acetyl coenzyme-A as the chief end product.
3. In fermentation, pyruvate is reduced to produce lactic acid or ethanol.
4. In gluconeogenesis, the pyruvate molecule is used to synthesize glucose.
5. In transamination, it is used to synthesize amino acids.