Pyruvate is a versatile biomolecule with a pivotal role in cellular metabolism. It is most commonly known as the final product of glycolysis, the process of breaking down glucose. Pyruvate, also known as 2-oxopropanoic acid, is a keto carboxylate, meaning it contains both a ketone and a carboxylate functional group. It has a backbone of three carbon atoms. The molecular formula of the pyruvate anion is C₃H₃O₃⁻. Its molecular weight is 87.05 g/mol.

Pyruvate exists in two primary forms:

• Pyruvic acid: The neutral state, with the molecular formula CH₃COCOOH. It includes a carboxylic acid group (COOH) and a ketone group (C=O).
• Pyruvate anion: The ionized state, which occurs when the carboxyl group loses a proton (H⁺). It has the molecular formula CH₃COCOO⁻ and carries a negative charge.

Biological Role and Reactions

Pyruvate is a key intermediate in various metabolic pathways. It connects glycolysis to other biochemical processes, including gluconeogenesis, fermentation, cellular respiration, and fatty acid synthesis.

It can be produced from glucose through glycolysis. If the body is running short on glucose, pyruvate can be used to make more.

Pyruvate can be converted back to carbohydrates (such as glucose) via gluconeogenesis or converted to fatty acids through a reaction with acetyl-CoA.

Pyruvate is also used directly in the synthesis of alanine, one of the 20 essential amino acids, and indirectly in other amino acid synthesis.  Pyruvate is also involved in the synthesis of lipids and fatty acids through the production of acetyl-coenzyme A, or acetyl-CoA.

In this context, we offer a range of pyruvate assay kits for measuring pyruvate concentrations in various samples. Our kits provide a simple, reproducible, and sensitive tool for pyruvate detection.