The oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid to acetyl CoA occurs in the
Correct answer: D. matrix of the mitochondrion
- A. cytoplasm
- B. intermembrane space of the mitochondrion
- C. smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- D. matrix of the mitochondrion
Explanation
Pyruvate is carried across both mitochondrial membranes and is then acted on by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the matrix, which removes one carbon as carbon dioxide and reduces NAD to NADH. Because this step needs oxygen further down the chain to keep NAD supplied, it stops in anaerobic conditions while cytoplasmic glycolysis continues.
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About Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration releases energy from glucose through glycolysis, the link reaction, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. The pathway differs in oxygen availability: aerobic respiration uses oxygen and yields more ATP, while anaerobic respiration produces much less ATP and forms lactic acid in muscles or ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast.
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