Chapter 24.3, Problem 4QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The processes that involve the conversion of a ${\text{C}}_3$ molecule to another ${\text{C}}_3$ molecule.

Concept introduction: Pyruvate is the end product in the glycolysis. The glycolysis pathway takes place under anaerobic conditions. Aerobic reactions need oxygen while anaerobic reaction does not need any oxygen.

The production of the fate of pyruvate varies with the nature of the organism and the cellular conditions. The three common fates of pyruvate are as follows:

Fermentation is defined as the biochemical anaerobic process by which NADH is oxidized to ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$.

The molecule that contains three carbon is called a ${\text{C}}_3$ molecule. Pyruvate $\left({\text{CH}}_3{\text{COCOO}}^{-}\right)$ is the conjugate base of pyruvic acid $\left({\text{CH}}_3\text{COCOOH}\right)$. The chemical structure of pyruvate is as follows: