Pyruvate

Kinase Pyruvate Kinase (PK) is an enzyme essential for the process of aerobic respiration in cells. It catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, which is the conversion of Pyruvate to Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). This reaction is highly exergonic, releasing energy in the form of ATP which is used to power the cell's metabolic processes. Pyruvate Kinase is also responsible for regulating the flow of carbon compounds between different metabolic pathways. Its activity is tightly regulated in the body, so any deficiencies in this enzyme can lead to a host of medical issues such as anemia, muscular dystrophy, and cancer. Pyruvate Kinase has become an important target in the development of new drugs and therapies, as it is involved in many metabolic pathways.