Sodium pyruvate

Sodium Pyruvate is a salt form of pyruvic acid, a key intermediate in the glycolytic pathway. It is often used in cell culture media as an energy source for cells, as it can easily enter the cell and participate in the production of ATP, the cell's main energy currency.

Chemical Structure

Sodium pyruvate is composed of a pyruvate ion, which is a three-carbon molecule with a carboxylate and a ketone functional group, and a sodium ion. The sodium ion is positively charged, while the pyruvate ion is negatively charged, leading to an ionic bond between the two.

Biological Role

In the body, sodium pyruvate can be converted into lactic acid in a process called anaerobic respiration, or it can enter the mitochondria to be further broken down in the citric acid cycle to produce ATP. This makes it a crucial compound in the body's energy metabolism.

Uses

In addition to its role in energy metabolism, sodium pyruvate is also used in the laboratory setting. It is often added to cell culture media as an additional energy source for cells. It can also be used in research studies to investigate the effects of pyruvate on various cellular processes, such as cell growth and differentiation.

Safety

Sodium pyruvate is generally considered safe for use in the laboratory and in cell culture. However, as with any chemical, it should be handled with care to avoid skin and eye contact, and ingestion or inhalation.

See Also

• Pyruvic acid
• Glycolysis
• Citric acid cycle
• Cell culture