What are the three fates of pyruvate that affect humans?

The three fates of pyruvate in humans are: 1) Conversion to Acetyl-CoA: In aerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle to produce ATP. 2) Lactic Acid Fermentation: In anaerobic conditions (e.g., during exercise), pyruvate is converted to lactate, allowing glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+. 3) Amino Acid Synthesis: Pyruvate can be converted into alanine or other amino acids through transamination, contributing to protein synthesis and metabolic regulation.