[{"from": "human", "value": "Could you give me a brief overview of this molecule? [C][C][=Branch1][C][=O][C][=Branch1][C][=O][O-1]"}, {"from": "gpt", "value": "The molecule is a 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid anion that is the conjugate base of pyruvic acid, which is an important metabolic product for energy-producing biochemical pathways. Pyruvate is the final product of glycolysis and, when hypoxic conditions arise, can be metabolized anaerobically to form lactate. This chemical is a precursor of both acetyl-coenzyme A and oxaloacetate, which are involved in the citric acid cycle. Additionally, oxaloacetate is a substrate in the gluconeogenesis pathway."}]