Understanding Pyruvate Oxidation

What is the primary function of pyruvate oxidation?

• To convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA for the citric acid cycle.

• To break down acetyl-CoA into fatty acids.

• To convert pyruvate into glucose for energy production.

• To produce lactic acid from pyruvate under anaerobic conditions.

Which molecule is produced from pyruvate during oxidation?

• Ethanol

• Acetyl-CoA

• Lactate

• Oxaloacetate

What is the role of NAD+ in pyruvate oxidation?

• NAD+ is oxidized to NADH, releasing energy during pyruvate oxidation.

• NAD+ acts as a substrate for pyruvate in the Krebs cycle.

• NAD+ is reduced to NADH, facilitating electron transfer during pyruvate oxidation.

• NAD+ is converted to ATP during pyruvate oxidation.

Where in the cell does pyruvate oxidation occur?

• Cytoplasm

• Nucleus

• Endoplasmic reticulum

• Mitochondrial matrix

How many carbon atoms are present in pyruvate?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

What is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?

• Citrate synthase

• Acetyl-CoA carboxylase

• Pyruvate dehydrogenase

• Lactate dehydrogenase

What are the end products of one molecule of pyruvate during oxidation?

• 2 Acetyl-CoA, 1 CO2, 1 NADH

• 1 Acetyl-CoA, 2 CO2, 2 NADH

• 1 Acetyl-CoA, 1 CO2, 1 NADH

• 1 Acetyl-CoA, 1 O2, 1 FADH2

How does pyruvate oxidation connect glycolysis to the citric acid cycle?

• Pyruvate oxidation converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, connecting glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.

• Pyruvate oxidation occurs in the cytoplasm, not the mitochondria.

• Glycolysis directly produces citric acid without pyruvate.

• Pyruvate oxidation produces glucose from acetyl-CoA.

What is the significance of the decarboxylation step in pyruvate oxidation?

• It converts acetyl-CoA into pyruvate and releases O2, hindering energy production.

• It transforms glucose into pyruvate and stores energy as ATP, without releasing CO2.

• It converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA and releases CO2, facilitating energy production.

• It oxidizes fatty acids into pyruvate and produces NADH, but does not affect energy production.

What happens to the electrons released during pyruvate oxidation?

• The electrons are converted into glucose.

• The electrons are transferred to NAD+, forming NADH, which then enters the electron transport chain.

• The electrons are stored in pyruvate for later use.

• The electrons are released as heat energy.