Pyruvate Decarboxylase (E1)

Pyruvate decarboxylase is a part of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in higher organisms where it is referred to as E1. 24 copies of it are found in the Azotobacter complex along with two other enyzmatic activities, referred to as E2 and E3.

Pyruvate decarboxylase uses thiamine pyrophosphate as a coenzyme and catalyzes the decarboxylation of pyruvate. This decarboxylated product has two fates. In yeast, acetaldehyde is formed, which is subsequently converted to ethanol by action of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. In non-fermentative reactions, acetyl-CoA is formed.

See also: Pyruvate Oxidation, Coenzymes

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Glycolysis/Citric Acid Cycles

> 2. -Keto Acid Complexes - A Review