PYRUVIC Meaning and
Definition
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The term "pyruvic" belongs to the field of biochemistry and refers to a specific compound known as pyruvic acid or 2-oxopropanoic acid. It is an important molecule in various metabolic pathways, particularly in the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration.
Pyruvic acid is a three-carbon organic acid that exists in its acidic form as a colorless liquid. It is produced as an end product of glycolysis, a key step in glucose metabolism. In this process, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, which then enter the mitochondria of cells to fuel further energy production.
The significance of pyruvic acid lies in its role as a pivotal intermediate in several metabolic reactions. It acts as a precursor in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) where it undergoes further oxidation to produce carbon dioxide, as well as in the biosynthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Moreover, pyruvic acid plays a crucial role in anaerobic metabolism, where it ferments to produce lactate in the absence of oxygen.
Due to its involvement in various metabolic processes, pyruvic acid has attracted scientific interest and its measurement is often used as an indicator of metabolic imbalance. Furthermore, its derivatives have been utilized in industries such as food and cosmetic for their flavoring and fragrance properties.
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In chem., applied to an acid obtained from the wine-grape; also from the destructive distillation of the racemic and tartaric acids.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PYRUVIC
- Pyrubic
- oyruvic
- lyruvic
- -yruvic
- 0yruvic
- ptruvic
- pgruvic
- phruvic
- puruvic
- p7ruvic
- p6ruvic
- pyeuvic
- pyduvic
- pyfuvic
- pytuvic
- py5uvic
- py4uvic
- pyryvic
- pyrhvic
- pyrjvic
Etymology of PYRUVIC
The word "pyruvic" is derived from the French word "pyruvique", which is formed from the Greek terms "pyr" meaning "fire" and "oxys" meaning "sour" or "sharp". The initial discovery and naming of pyruvic acid are credited to the French chemist and physician, Gustave Théophile Thénard, who isolated the acidic compound from tartaric acid in 1834. The name was given due to the strong, pungent smell of the compound and its acidic properties.
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