BISC 220 - Pyruvate Oxidation

Where does Pyruvate oxidation occur?

in the mitochondrial MATRIX

What are the products of Pyruvate oxidation per one molecule of glucose?

2 carbon dioxides, 2 molecules of Acetyl CoA, and more NADH,

Explain what happens during Pyruvate oxidation

1. After glycolysis, a transport protein moves the 2 pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix

2. Nonpolar covalent C —- C bond is broken, NADH is produced and the energy released is used to form CO₂ molecules

3. Coenzyme A (CoA) attaches to the remaining molecule to make Acetyl CoA

4. Acetyl CoA is fed into the citric acid (krebs) cycle

What happens with electron carriers during pyruvate oxidation?

NAD+ picks up electrons released from pyruvate, which reduces it to NADH. NADH will transfer these electrons for energy production in later pathways