Catalyzes the decarboxylation of an alpha keto acid to an aldehyde and carbon dioxide. Thiamine pyrophosphate is an essential cofactor. In lower organisms, which ferment glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide, the enzyme irreversibly decarboxylates pyruvate to acetaldehyde. EC 4.1.1.1.
Also Known As:
Decarboxylase, Pyruvate; 2 Oxo Acid Carboxy Lyase; Acid Carboxy-Lyase, 2-Oxo; Carboxy-Lyase, 2-Oxo Acid; Carboxylase, alpha-Ketoacid; Decarboxylase, Pyruvic; alpha Carboxylase; alpha Ketoacid Carboxylase; 2-Oxo Acid Carboxy-Lyase; Pyruvic Decarboxylase; alpha-Carboxylase; alpha-Ketoacid Carboxylase