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Roxy
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Does anyone know where I can find information or diagrams of Pyruvate oxidation/pyruvate dehydrogenase. (on the internet)
Pyruvate oxidation, also known as pyruvate dehydrogenase, is a crucial step in cellular respiration where pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, is converted into acetyl-CoA, a molecule that can enter the citric acid cycle. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Pyruvate oxidation/pyruvate dehydrogenase is essential for cellular respiration as it links the glycolysis pathway, which takes place in the cytoplasm, to the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the mitochondria. This process generates acetyl-CoA, which is a crucial molecule that enters the citric acid cycle and produces ATP, the main energy source for the cell.
Pyruvate oxidation/pyruvate dehydrogenase is regulated by various factors, including the availability of substrates, the presence of allosteric regulators, and the activity of regulatory enzymes. The enzyme is also regulated by reversible phosphorylation, where phosphorylation decreases the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase, while dephosphorylation increases its activity.
Inhibition of pyruvate oxidation/pyruvate dehydrogenase can lead to a decrease in ATP production, which can have various consequences on the cell's function. It can also result in the accumulation of pyruvate, which can lead to the production of lactate, causing a decrease in cellular pH. Additionally, inhibition of this process can also affect the availability of acetyl-CoA for other metabolic pathways.
Yes, there are several diseases associated with defects in pyruvate oxidation/pyruvate dehydrogenase, including pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, which is a rare genetic disorder that affects the enzyme's activity. This deficiency can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including developmental delays, neurological problems, and lactic acidosis.