Pyruvate Decarboxylase

**Definition:** Catalyzes the decarboxylation of an alpha keto acid to an aldehyde and carbon dioxide. Thiamine pyrophosphate is an essential cofactor. In lower organisms, which ferment glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide, the enzyme irreversibly decarboxylates pyruvate to acetaldehyde. EC 4.1.1.1.

**Tree numbers:** - D08.811.520.224.125.750

**Synonyms:** - 2-Oxo Acid Carboxy-Lyase - alpha-Carboxylase - alpha-Ketoacid Carboxylase - Pyruvic Decarboxylase