2. Identify three metabolic pathways that pyruvate could directly take following glycolysis and be sure to include the products of each.
1. Pyruvate can undergo conversion to acetyl-CoA through the process of pyruvate decarboxylation, resulting in the production of acetyl-CoA, which can enter the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle).
2. Pyruvate can be converted to lactate in a process called lactate fermentation, resulting in the production of lactate and NAD+. This pathway is commonly observed in muscle cells during anaerobic conditions.
3. Pyruvate can be converted to oxaloacetate through a process called pyruvate carboxylation, resulting in the production of oxaloacetate. Oxaloacetate can then be used in gluconeogenesis to form glucose.