PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
-
Phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) is a small organic molecule and a key intermediate in the metabolic pathway of glycolysis. It is derived from the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by the enzyme enolase. PEP is a crucial molecule that serves as a high-energy phosphate donor, playing a vital role in various cellular processes.
PEP is involved in the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which serves as the primary energy source in cells. It acts as a phosphate group donor, transferring its high-energy phosphate to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) to form ATP through the process of substrate-level phosphorylation. This step occurs during glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose to produce energy.
Furthermore, PEP acts as a precursor molecule for the biosynthesis of several important compounds. In plants, it is utilized in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. These amino acids serve as building blocks for proteins and are essential for plant growth and development.
In addition, PEP is involved in gluconeogenesis, a metabolic pathway that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. By converting to oxaloacetate, PEP facilitates the synthesis of glucose, primarily in liver and kidney cells, during times of low glucose availability.
Overall, phosphoenolpyruvic acid plays a critical role in energy metabolism and the biosynthesis of essential compounds, making it a key molecule in various cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVIC ACID
- ohosphoenolpyruvic acid
- lhosphoenolpyruvic acid
- 0hosphoenolpyruvic acid
- pgosphoenolpyruvic acid
- pbosphoenolpyruvic acid
- pnosphoenolpyruvic acid
- pjosphoenolpyruvic acid
- puosphoenolpyruvic acid
- pyosphoenolpyruvic acid
- phisphoenolpyruvic acid
- phksphoenolpyruvic acid
- phlsphoenolpyruvic acid
- phpsphoenolpyruvic acid
- ph0sphoenolpyruvic acid
- ph9sphoenolpyruvic acid
- phoaphoenolpyruvic acid
- phozphoenolpyruvic acid
- phoxphoenolpyruvic acid
- phodphoenolpyruvic acid
- phoephoenolpyruvic acid
Etymology of PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVIC ACID
The word "phosphoenolpyruvic acid" comes from a combination of its molecular structure and its functional groups. Here is the breakdown:
- "Phospho" is derived from the Greek word "phosphoros", meaning light-bearing or light-bringing. It refers to the presence of a phosphate group (PO4) present in the molecule.
- "Enol" derives from the term "oleum", which means oil in Latin. It indicates the presence of a double bond between a carbon atom and an oxygen atom, also known as an enol group.
- "Pyruvic acid" is named after the pyruvate molecule, which is a three-carbon compound involved in many metabolic pathways. The term "pyruvic" comes from the Greek word "pyr", meaning fire, referring to the involvement of pyruvic acid in various energy-producing reactions.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
