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Related Concept Videos

Fates of Pyruvate01:20

Fates of Pyruvate

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Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
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Pyruvate Oxidation01:15

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After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
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Glycolysis01:23

Glycolysis

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Glycolysis, the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, is a central metabolic pathway involved in glucose catabolism. It is highly conserved across most organisms, reflecting its fundamental role in cellular energy production. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and can function both in the presence and absence of oxygen, making it versatile for various organisms and environmental conditions.Stages of GlycolysisGlycolysis is a ten-step pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating a net gain of...
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Glycolysis: Pay-off Phase01:25

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So far, glycolysis has cost the cell two ATP molecules and produced two small, three-carbon sugar molecules. These molecules will proceed through the second half of the pathway, and sufficient energy will be extracted to pay back the two ATP molecules used as an initial investment and produce a profit for the cell of two additional ATP molecules and two even higher-energy NADH molecules.
Step 1 - 5: Glycolysis Preparatory Phase
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Respiration Pathways01:26

Respiration Pathways

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Cellular respiration is a fundamental metabolic process that enables organisms to generate energy from organic molecules. One of its central pathways is the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which plays a crucial role in energy production and biosynthetic processes.Conversion of Pyruvate to Acetyl-CoAThe pyruvate generated from glycolysis undergoes oxidative decarboxylation by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, producing acetyl-CoA, one molecule of NADH, and one...
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Glycolysis: Preparatory Phase01:21

Glycolysis: Preparatory Phase

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In cellular metabolism (the complete breakdown of glucose to extract energy),  glycolysis is the first step. Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Glucose enters heterotrophic cells in two ways. One method is through secondary active transport, where the transport takes place against the glucose concentration gradient. The other mechanism uses a group of integral proteins called GLUT proteins, also known as glucose transporter proteins. These...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Refractive Index or Mass Spectrometric Detection for Metabolite Profiling in Lysate-based Cell-free Systems
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The plant pyruvate hub.

Sonia E Evans1, Anya Hu2, Michael A Phillips3

  • 1Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto at Scarborough, Scarborough, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada.

Trends in Plant Science
|December 13, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pyruvate is a key molecule in plant metabolism, linking carbon pathways to essential biosynthesis. Understanding its regulation offers opportunities to engineer valuable compounds like terpenoids.

Keywords:
2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate pathwaycarbon assimilationglycolysisphotosynthesisplant metabolismterpenoid biosynthesis

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Metabolism
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) are central metabolites connecting core carbon pathways.
  • These precursors are vital for synthesizing terpenoids, phenolics, and fatty acids.
  • Specialized plant tissues use pyruvate for lignin, fatty acids, and pigment production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation of pyruvate metabolism in plants.
  • To highlight pyruvate's role in linking photosynthesis and biosynthesis.
  • To explore engineering opportunities for terpenoid biosynthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pyruvate metabolism.
  • Analysis of regulatory mechanisms including translocator expression and allosteric control.
  • Discussion of metabolic engineering strategies.

Main Results:

  • Pyruvate is a highly centralized metabolite with diverse sources and fates.
  • Its metabolism is tightly regulated by enzyme control and transport.
  • Pyruvate's central role supports both photosynthesis and biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Pyruvate's central metabolic role is critical for plant growth and development.
  • Regulation of pyruvate supply is a key target for metabolic engineering.
  • Manipulating pyruvate pathways can enhance the production of valuable plant compounds like terpenoids.