3 Fates of Pyruvate

Question 1

Alcohol fermentation- list the products, enzyme and conditions needed for pyruvate to get to the first stage

Answer 1

acetaldehyde, uses pyruvate decarboxylase, H+ goes to CO2

Question 2

Alcohol fermentation- list the products, enzyme and conditions for stage 2.

Answer 2

Ethanol, alcohol dehydrogenase, NADH and H+ to NAD+, characteristic of yeast in anaerobic conditions

Question 3

Generation of Lactate- list the products, enzyme and conditions

Answer 3

Lactate, uses lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), NADH and H+ to NAD+, anaerobic in mammalian muscles during lack of O2

Question 4

What molecule allows quick production of ATP in muscle cells?

Answer 4

creatine phosphate, uses creatine kinase to form creatine and ATP, ADP and H+ goes to ATP.

Question 5

Acetyl CoA- list the location, the products and the enzyme used and why this molecule is beneficial.

Answer 5

Pyruvate goes to Acetyl CoA and CO2, uses pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and turns NAD+ to NADH. It has a thioester bond which is a high energy bond and is readily hydrolysed to donate acetate (2C)

Question 6

Deficiency of Thiamine disease- discuss.

Answer 6

Thiamine is a derivative of vitamin B1, it is essential for breakdown of pyruvate, it’s called Beri-Beri, symptoms include damage to peripheral nervous system, muscles and cardiac output