Final answer:
Yes, pyruvate is an intermediate of the glycolytic pathway and it is produced during the process of glycolysis. It is further processed in the citric acid cycle for energy production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, pyruvate is an intermediate of the glycolytic pathway. Glycolysis is the first phase of cellular respiration and it converts a glucose molecule into two molecules of pyruvate. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and produces a small amount of ATP and NADH. Pyruvate then enters the mitochondria for further oxidation in the citric acid cycle.