After pyruvate is produced from glycolysis, it enters the mitochondria to begin aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration begins with the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA. This conversion takes place in three steps: decarboxylation, the reduction of NAD+, and the attachment of coenzyme A. What enzyme converts pyruvate to acetyl CoA?Read More →
Pyruvate (a 3 carbon molecule) is converted to acetyl CoA, a two-carbon molecule attached to coenzyme A. This reaction releases a molecule of carbon dioxide and reduces a NAD+ to NADH. In eukaryotes, pyruvate oxidation takes place in the matrix, the central compartment of mitochondria. What is the purpose ofRead More →
When oxygen is not present, pyruvate will undergo a process called fermentation. In the process of fermentation the NADH + H+ from glycolysis will be recycled back to NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue. … Hydrogen atoms from NADH + H+ are then used to help convert acetaldehyde to ethanol.Read More →