Structure of Pyruvate

• Pyruvate is a carbonic acid of the structure H3C-CO-COOH. It will decompose into carbon dioxide and acetic acid if heated in water.
  
  

Formation of Pyruvate

• Pyruvate is formed through the oxidation of glucose. When glucose is oxidized, carbon dioxide is released and energy is created for the body.
  
  

Pyruvate Oxidation

• Pyruvate is oxidized by being bound to Coenzyme A. NAD+ then reduces the carbonic acid to create carbon dioxide and NADH. Acetyl-Coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA) is the final product.
  
  

Decomposition of Acetyl-CoA

• Acetyl-Coenzyme A is further broken down into carbon dioxide through the Krebs Cycle.
  
  

Importance of Acetyl-CoA

• Acetyl-Coenzyme A is also important for the oxidation of fatty acids and the degradation of some amino acids.