Pyruvate carboxylase (PC, EC 6.4.1.1) is widely present in mitochondria of animals, molds and yeast, but
is not found in plants and most bacteria. PC is the main postreaction for oxaloacetate, and is the first rate-
limiting enzyme in the gluconeogenesis process.
PC irreversibly catalyzes pyruvate, ATP, CO2 and water to oxaloacetate, ADP and Pi, malic
dehydrogenase further catalyzes the formation of malic acid and NAD+ from acetoacetic acid and NADH.
The enzyme activity of PC can be reflected by detecting the oxidation rate of NADH at 340 nm.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided:
Ultraviolet spectrophotometer, water bath, desk centrifuge, water bath, adjustable pipette, 1 mL quartz
cuvette, mortar/homogenizer, ice and distilled water.