Pyruvic acid facts for kids

Pyruvic acid is a simple type of acid that is very important in how living things get energy. It has two special parts: a carboxylic acid group and a ketone group. When we talk about pyruvate, we mean the form of pyruvic acid that is found in the body. It plays a big role in many metabolic chemical reactions. Pyruvate is a key chemical compound in biochemistry, which is the study of chemicals in living things.

What is Pyruvate and Where Does It Come From?

Pyruvate is made from glucose, which is a type of sugar. This process is called glycolysis. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. These pyruvate molecules are then used to create more energy for animals, plants, and tiny microorganisms.

Pyruvate can also be changed back into carbohydrates like glucose. This happens through a process called gluconeogenesis. It can also be turned into fatty acids. Pyruvate can even be used to make a building block of proteins called alanine. Sometimes, pyruvate is changed into ethanol (alcohol) or lactic acid through a process called fermentation.

How Pyruvate Gives Energy

Pyruvate is super important for giving cells energy. When there is enough oxygen, pyruvate enters a process called the citric acid cycle. This is part of aerobic respiration, which is how cells use oxygen to make lots of energy.

If there isn't enough oxygen, like when you are exercising very hard, pyruvate can be changed into lactate. This process is also a type of fermentation. It helps the body keep making some energy even without oxygen.

Images for kids

• 

  Reference ranges for blood tests, showing how much pyruvate is in the blood compared to other things.

See also

In Spanish: Ácido pirúvico para niños