Pyruvate

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid anion that is the conjugate base of pyruvic acid, which is an important metabolic product for energy-producing biochemical pathways. Pyruvate is the final product of glycolysis and, when hypoxic conditions arise, can be metabolized anaerobically to form lactate. This chemical is a precursor of both acetyl-coenzyme A and oxaloacetate, which are involved in the citric acid cycle. Additionally, oxaloacetate is a substrate in the gluconeogenesis pathway.

**Synonyms:** - 2-Oxopropanoate - Propanoic Acid, 2-Oxo-, Ion(1-)