püruvaati

Püruvaati, also known as pyruvate, is a three-carbon organic compound with the chemical formula C3H4O3. It is a key intermediate in various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and gluconeogenesis. Pyruvate is produced during the breakdown of carbohydrates and is a crucial energy source for cells.

In glycolysis, glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate, along with ATP and NADH. Pyruvate can then be further metabolized in the mitochondria to produce more ATP through the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. Alternatively, pyruvate can be converted into lactate in anaerobic conditions, a process that regenerates NAD+ for continued glycolysis.

Pyruvate also plays a role in gluconeogenesis, the process by which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate precursors. It is a precursor to oxaloacetate, which is a key intermediate in this pathway.

Pyruvate is a versatile compound that serves as a bridge between different metabolic pathways, ensuring the efficient conversion of energy from one form to another. Its significance in metabolism makes it a critical molecule in biological systems.