Correct option is C
In plants, pyruvate, which is the end product of glycolysis, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of alanine and other related amino acids. The conversion of pyruvate to alanine occurs through a process called transamination, where an amino group from glutamate is transferred to pyruvate. This forms alanine, a process that is common in both plants and animals.
Information Booster
- Pyruvate is the final product of glycolysis and serves as a precursor for several amino acids, including alanine.
- The transamination of pyruvate with glutamate forms alanine.
- This process is catalyzed by the enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which transfers an amino group from glutamate to pyruvate.
- Pyruvate can also be converted to other amino acids such as valine and leucine, depending on the metabolic needs of the plant.
- This transamination pathway is an important mechanism for plants to generate amino acids that are essential for growth and protein synthesis.
- Pyruvate’s role in amino acid biosynthesis highlights the importance of glycolysis as not just a pathway for energy production, but also for building essential macromolecules.
Additional Information
- Option (a): 3-Phosphoglycerate is involved in the biosynthesis of serine and other amino acids but is not the direct precursor of alanine. Therefore, option (a) is incorrect.
- Option (b): Phosphoenolpyruvate is an intermediate in glycolysis, but it is not the direct precursor for the production of alanine. Therefore, option (b) is incorrect.
- Option (d): Acetyl-CoA is involved in energy production and various biosynthetic pathways, but it is not directly involved in the biosynthesis of alanine. Therefore, option (d) is incorrect.
