Cellular Respiration: Pathways and Processe Section 3: Pyruvate Oxidation & Entry to Citric Acid Cycle

The Link & Product of Acetyl CoA

A 2-carbon molecule with a coenzyme A attached, formed from pyruvate and serving as the primary fuel that enters the citric acid cycle.

Dehydrogenase Enzymes

Enzymes that remove hydrogen atoms (and electrons) from pyruvate during its conversion to Acetyl CoA.

Mitochondrial Matrix (location):

The specific compartment within the mitochondrion where pyruvate oxidation takes place.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

One carbon atom from pyruvate is released as carbon dioxide during this transition step

NADH (produced from pyruvate):

NAD+ is reduced to NADH, capturing energy from oxidizing pyruvate.

The stage of Pyruvate

The 3-carbon molecule produced by glycolysis that enters the mitochondrion for the next stage.

High energy of Acetyl CoA

This thioester bond in Acetyl CoA stores significant potential energy that will be harnessed in the subsequent steps of respiration.