Pyruvate decarboxylase from baker's yeast is widely used in the production of ethanol through fermentation processes. It plays a crucial role in converting pyruvate into acetaldehyde, which is then reduced to ethanol, making it essential in brewing and biofuel industries. This enzyme is also utilized in biochemical research to study metabolic pathways, particularly those involving carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, it serves as a model enzyme for investigating thiamine diphosphate-dependent reactions, providing insights into enzyme mechanisms and catalysis. Its application extends to the synthesis of chiral compounds in organic chemistry, where it aids in the production of enantiomerically pure substances.