Pyruvate Oxidation - 3 Reactions

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