SBI4U
Where is pyruvate oxidation located? What’s its main priority (hint: produce _____)?
Location: Mitochondrial matrix
Produce majority of NADH
Reaction 1
1 pyruvate enters mitochondrial matrix via transport protein
Decarboxylated (removed carboxyl group) by pyruvate decarboxylase
1 carbon released as CO2
Reaction 2
2 carbons in 1 pyruvate oxidized → acetyl group
NAD+ reduced → NADH
Reaction 3
Acetyl group binds to sulfur group in CoA
Forms Acetyl-Coenzyme A
Cycle repeats for 2nd pyruvate molecule
Pyruvate Oxidation Final Products (2 cycles/1 glucose)
2 NADH
2 CO2
2 Acetyl CoA