# Pyruvate --- A **pyruvate**, or sometimes called **pyruvic acid** ($C_3H_4O_3$) is a chemical compound produced at the end of [[glycolysis]]. It is a very versatile molecule and can be converted into a variety of other molecules—it can even be [[gluconeogenesis|reconverted]] into a molecule of glucose. It's also used to make [[acetyl CoA]] during [[cellular respiration]]. ## Synthesis Pyruvate can be made three ways: From [[glucose]], from [[glycerol]], or from some amino acids. It is the end product of [[glycolysis]], where one glucose molecule can turn into two pyruvate molecules. ![[pyruvate and acetyl CoA.png]] ## Destination Pyruvate can have several different fates, depending on what is needed by the body at the time. ### Acetyl CoA (Generally) If pyruvate is needed to continue [[cellular respiration]], it is send to the mitochondria where it is [[pyruvate processing|processed]] into [[acetyl CoA]], where it can then enter the [[citric acid cycle]]. ### Lactate (if There's No Oxygen) If continuing cellular respiration is not an option, either because a cell does not have mitochondria, or the body is unable to provide enough oxygen to be used as a final electron acceptor, pyruvate itself can be used as an electron receptor for [[fermentation#Lactic Acid Fermentation|lactic acid fermentation]], or converted into an other molecule for a [[fermentation#Types of Fermentation|different type of fermentation]]. ### Glucose (if We're Out) Pyruvate can be reconverted back into [[glucose]] as well, if needed. ___