How Do You Spell PYRUVATE?

Pronunciation: [pˈa͡ɪɹuːvˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

Pyruvate is a word often used in biochemistry, and its spelling can be tricky to master. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /paɪˈruːveɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced like "pie," followed by the "roo" sound, and ending with "vayt." The spelling of this word follows the standard English rules, with "y" and "a" representing the long "i" and "u" sounds respectively. Understanding the IPA phonetic transcription can help to eliminate any confusion in spelling this word correctly.

PYRUVATE Meaning and Definition

1. Pyruvate is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes within the body. It is a key intermediate product in the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration, a series of chemical reactions that convert glucose into usable cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

   Chemically, pyruvate is a three-carbon molecule with the formula C3H4O3. It is derived from glucose through a series of enzymatic reactions known as glycolysis. During glycolysis, glucose is metabolized to produce two molecules of pyruvate, along with a small amount of ATP and reducing equivalents in the form of NADH.

   Pyruvate serves as a vital substrate for several metabolic pathways in the body. It can be further metabolized in two primary ways, depending on the availability of oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate undergoes fermentation, converting into lactate or ethanol, releasing energy in the process. In the presence of oxygen, pyruvate enters the mitochondria and undergoes further oxidation to produce more ATP through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

   Apart from its role in energy production, pyruvate also serves as a precursor for several important molecules within the body, including amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose during gluconeogenesis. Additionally, it has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its involvement in weight loss, exercise performance, and antioxidant properties.

   In conclusion, pyruvate is a fundamental molecule in metabolism, participating in the breakdown of glucose and serving as a critical substrate for energy production and the synthesis of various important compounds within the body.

Common Misspellings for PYRUVATE

• Pyruvac
• pyruvte
• pyrvuate
• Piruvate
• Pirovate
• Pyrenate

Etymology of PYRUVATE

The word "pyruvate" comes from the combination of two components: "pyruvic acid" and the suffix "-ate".

The term "pyruvic acid" originates from the Greek word "pyr" meaning "fire" or "heat", and "oxy" meaning "acid". The name reflects the nature of pyruvic acid, which is a key intermediate in the metabolism of sugars and is involved in the process of converting glucose into energy.

The suffix "-ate" is commonly used in chemistry to denote salt or ester forms of a compound. In the case of "pyruvate", it refers to the salt or ester form of pyruvic acid. The addition of the suffix indicates that pyruvic acid has combined with a cation or has been esterified.

Plural form of PYRUVATE is PYRUVATES