BogMonkey said:After glycolysis where is pyruvate converted to Acetyl-CoA? I know pyruvate can't enter the citric acid cycle but does the pyruvate molecule make its way into the matrix of the mitochondria then get converted to Acetyl-CoA or does it have to be converted before it can even cross the membranes of the mitochondrion?
Pyruvate decarboxylation is a biochemical process that occurs in the mitochondria of cells, where pyruvate molecules are converted into acetyl-CoA. This process is a crucial step in cellular respiration, as it links the breakdown of glucose to the citric acid cycle, which produces energy in the form of ATP.
Pyruvate decarboxylation is an essential step in cellular respiration because it produces acetyl-CoA, which is then used in the citric acid cycle to generate energy in the form of ATP. This process is also important because it removes carbon dioxide from the cell, preventing toxic buildup.
The main enzyme involved in pyruvate decarboxylation is pyruvate dehydrogenase. This enzyme is a complex of three different enzymes that work together to convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA. These enzymes are thiamine pyrophosphate, lipoic acid, and coenzyme A.
The main products of pyruvate decarboxylation are acetyl-CoA, carbon dioxide, and NADH. Acetyl-CoA is used in the citric acid cycle to produce ATP, while carbon dioxide is released as a waste product. NADH is an important electron carrier that is used in the electron transport chain to generate more ATP.
The rate of pyruvate decarboxylation can be affected by several factors, including the availability of enzymes and coenzymes, the concentration of pyruvate, and the pH of the environment. The presence of inhibitors or activators can also affect the rate of this process.