pyruvic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry, Biochemistry.

1. a water-soluble liquid, C 3 H 4 O 3 , important in many metabolic and fermentative processes, having an odor resembling that of acetic acid, prepared by the dehydration of tartaric acid: used chiefly in biochemical research.

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pyruvic acid British  

/ paɪˈruːvɪk /

noun

1. a colourless pleasant-smelling liquid formed as an intermediate in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, helping to release energy to the body; 2-oxopropanoic acid. Formula: CH 3 COCOOH

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pyruvic acid Scientific  

/ pī-ro̅o̅′vĭk /

1. A colorless organic liquid formed by the breakdown of carbohydrates and sugars during cell metabolism. It is the final product of glycolysis and is converted into acetyl coenzyme A, which is required for the Krebs cycle. It is also used in the body to synthesize the amino acid alanine. Chemical formula: C ₃ H ₄ O ₃ .

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Etymology

Origin of pyruvic acid

First recorded in 1830–40

Compare meaning

How does pyruvic-acid compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pyruvate vs. pyruvic acid

Example Sentences

Once the lactic acid has been removed from the muscle and circulated to the liver, it can be reconverted into pyruvic acid and further catabolized for energy.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Glycolysis is a sequence of chemical reactions that convert glucose to two three-carbon compounds called pyruvic acid.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

It occurs when the pyruvic acid that is formed from glycolysis is broken down in a series of reactions.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

However, if oxygen is not available, pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid, which may contribute to muscle fatigue.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Recently, fatty acids have been prepared from carbohydrates, by first breaking the hexoses down into three-carbon compounds, then carefully oxidizing these to pyruvic acid, CH3·CO·COOH, which can then be condensed into acids having longer chains.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred