Question

In: Biology

Many molecules play multiple regulatory roles in cellular processes. Give an example of a molecule that...

Many molecules play multiple regulatory roles in cellular processes. Give an example of a molecule that plays more than one role in regulating the reactions we've learned about this week, and explain why it acts in the same OR a different manner in each instance.

The molecule I am choosing is pyruvate but what other reactions does pyruvate regulate besides glycolysis and how? please help, I am very confused.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Pyruvate is a key regulatory molecule involved in multiple metabolic processes.

It is generated as the end-product of glycolysis, from where it regulates different interconnected metabolic pathways:

  • Substrate for the point of entry to Tricarboxylic-acid (TCA) cycle. Pyruvate is essential for the formation of acetyl- CoA by Pyruvate-dehydrogenase (PDH) complex. This pathway further leads to the energy production in cellular respiration and biosynthesis of several other metabolites.

  • Gluconeogenesis - Pyruvate also shuttles to the synthesis to the glucose in case of hypoglycemia.

It forms Phospho-enol phosphate (PEP), by coverting into oxaloacetate and hence, the whole process of reverse glycolysis.

  • Generation of amino acid alanine by transamination reaction.

  • Pyruvate is also involved in the formation of fermentation products like Lactic acid in the absence of aerobic respiration.

Thus in all, Pyruvate regulates variety of metabolic reactions:

References:

  • Ophardt, Charles E. "Pyruvic Acid - Cross Roads Compound". Virtual Chembook. Elmhurst College. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  • Lehninger, Albert L.; Nelson, David L.; Cox, Michael M. (2008). Principles of Biochemistry (5th ed.). New York, NY: W. H. Freeman and Company. p. 528. ISBN 978-0-7167-7108-1.

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