PYRUVATE CARBOXYLASE Meaning and
Definition
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Pyruvate carboxylase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the metabolic process known as gluconeogenesis. Specifically, it is responsible for catalyzing the carboxylation of pyruvate to form oxaloacetate, a key intermediate in glucose synthesis. This enzyme is found in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, where it is involved in several metabolic pathways.
Pyruvate carboxylase is vital for the conversion of pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, into oxaloacetate. This reaction requires the presence of ATP and biotin as a cofactor. The resulting oxaloacetate can then be further processed to generate glucose through a series of enzymatic steps.
In addition to its role in gluconeogenesis, pyruvate carboxylase is also involved in other metabolic pathways. It is necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids, as oxaloacetate is a precursor molecule in this process. Furthermore, this enzyme is required for replenishing the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, by converting pyruvate to oxaloacetate.
Overall, pyruvate carboxylase is a crucial enzyme involved in the regulation of glucose and energy metabolism within cells. Its function impacts various physiological processes, including gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and the TCA cycle.
Common Misspellings for PYRUVATE CARBOXYLASE
- oyruvate carboxylase
- lyruvate carboxylase
- -yruvate carboxylase
- 0yruvate carboxylase
- ptruvate carboxylase
- pgruvate carboxylase
- phruvate carboxylase
- puruvate carboxylase
- p7ruvate carboxylase
- p6ruvate carboxylase
- pyeuvate carboxylase
- pyduvate carboxylase
- pyfuvate carboxylase
- pytuvate carboxylase
- py5uvate carboxylase
- py4uvate carboxylase
- pyryvate carboxylase
- pyrhvate carboxylase
- pyrjvate carboxylase
- pyrivate carboxylase
Etymology of PYRUVATE CARBOXYLASE
The word "pyruvate" comes from the Greek word "pyr" meaning "fire", and "uvate" refers to "acid" or "salt". Pyruvate is a key molecule involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the production of energy in cells.
The word "carboxylase" is derived from the combining form "carboxyl-" which refers to a chemical group consisting of a carbonyl group attached to a hydroxyl group. The suffix "-ase" is used to indicate an enzyme. Thus, "carboxylase" specifically refers to an enzyme that adds a carboxyl group to a molecule.
Therefore, "pyruvate carboxylase" signifies the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the carboxylation of pyruvate, converting it into oxaloacetate, which is an important intermediate molecule in various metabolic pathways.
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