3.6-7: Pyruvate Oxidation And Citric Acid Cycle

Question 1

Pyruvate is a ___ energy molecule

Answer 1

High

Question 2

If oxygen is present, what wil pyruvate do? (3)

Answer 2

1. It will enter the mitochondria (eukaryotic cells)
2. Pyruvate (3C) is oxidized into acetyl CoA (2C) (note u los the other carbon to CO2 when u exhale)
3. 2CO2 and 2NADH are produced (its doubled cuz we made 2 pyruvates in glycolysis)

Question 3

Why is acetyl CoA important to make in pyruvate oxidation?

Answer 3

• Acetyl CoA is used to make citrate in the citric acid cycle

Question 4

What does the prep reaction make, if we ask in terms of glucose?

Answer 4

• 2 acetyl CoA
• 2 NADH
• 2 CO2