PYRUVIC DECARBOXYLASE Meaning and
Definition
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Pyruvic decarboxylase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. Specifically, it catalyzes the decarboxylation of pyruvate, a key intermediate product of glucose metabolism, resulting in the formation of acetaldehyde. This enzymatic reaction occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is an essential step in both anaerobic and aerobic respiration.
The pyruvate molecule is first converted to an intermediate compound known as the hydroxyethyl-TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate) complex through the action of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme. Pyruvic decarboxylase then acts on this complex to remove a carbon dioxide molecule, resulting in the release of acetaldehyde and regeneration of a molecule of TPP.
The acetaldehyde produced via pyruvic decarboxylase is rapidly converted to ethanol in yeast cells during fermentation. This process is vital for the production of alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine. In other organisms, like bacteria, acetaldehyde may be further metabolized into different compounds.
The activity of pyruvic decarboxylase is influenced by various factors including pH, temperature, and the presence of specific coenzymes. This enzyme has been extensively studied due to its involvement in numerous metabolic pathways and its potential biotechnological applications.
In summary, pyruvic decarboxylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetaldehyde, ultimately contributing to cellular metabolism and energy production.
Common Misspellings for PYRUVIC DECARBOXYLASE
- oyruvic decarboxylase
- lyruvic decarboxylase
- -yruvic decarboxylase
- 0yruvic decarboxylase
- ptruvic decarboxylase
- pgruvic decarboxylase
- phruvic decarboxylase
- puruvic decarboxylase
- p7ruvic decarboxylase
- p6ruvic decarboxylase
- pyeuvic decarboxylase
- pyduvic decarboxylase
- pyfuvic decarboxylase
- pytuvic decarboxylase
- py5uvic decarboxylase
- py4uvic decarboxylase
- pyryvic decarboxylase
- pyrhvic decarboxylase
- pyrjvic decarboxylase
- pyrivic decarboxylase
Etymology of PYRUVIC DECARBOXYLASE
The word "pyruvic" comes from the Latin term "pyrus", which means "pear". It was named so because this organic acid was first isolated from ripe pears. "Decarboxylase" is derived from the term "decarboxylation", which refers to the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule. "Decarboxylation" is a combination of the Latin term "de" (meaning "from" or "away") and the word "carboxyl". Therefore, "pyruvic decarboxylase" refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of the carboxyl group from pyruvic acid.
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