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Questions and Answers
Why is pyruvate oxidation important to cellular respiration in general?
Why is pyruvate oxidation important to cellular respiration in general?
Pyruvate oxidation oxidizes pyruvate into acetyl-coA, which is the molecule that fuels the citric acid cycle. Without pyruvate oxidation, the process would not go to completion.
During pyruvate oxidation, what molecule is being reduced?
During pyruvate oxidation, what molecule is being reduced?
NAD+ is being reduced to NADH.
Even though pyruvate oxidation does not produce ATP, in what way does it assist the process of producing ATP?
Even though pyruvate oxidation does not produce ATP, in what way does it assist the process of producing ATP?
Pyruvate oxidation produces hydrogen atoms which NAD+ takes to the electron transport chain, creating a hydrogen ion gradient that phosphorylates ADP to ATP.
What product of pyruvate oxidation is excreted through the mouth?
What product of pyruvate oxidation is excreted through the mouth?
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Where does pyruvate oxidation occur?
Where does pyruvate oxidation occur?
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How many times does pyruvate oxidation occur for one molecule of glucose?
How many times does pyruvate oxidation occur for one molecule of glucose?
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Complete and balance the reaction: 2 Pyruvate → ___ + ____ + ____
Complete and balance the reaction: 2 Pyruvate → ___ + ____ + ____
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Is pyruvate oxidation an anaerobic process?
Is pyruvate oxidation an anaerobic process?
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Where would pyruvate oxidation take place in a prokaryote and why?
Where would pyruvate oxidation take place in a prokaryote and why?
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What group is attached to Coenzyme A in the final product of pyruvate oxidation?
What group is attached to Coenzyme A in the final product of pyruvate oxidation?
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Study Notes
Importance of Pyruvate Oxidation
- Converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, essential for fueling the citric acid cycle.
- Without pyruvate oxidation, cellular respiration cannot proceed effectively.
Reduction During Pyruvate Oxidation
- NAD+ is reduced to NADH during the pyruvate oxidation process.
Role in ATP Production
- Although pyruvate oxidation does not directly produce ATP, it generates hydrogen atoms.
- NADH carries these hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain, enabling ATP production through a hydrogen ion gradient.
- The gradient fuels ATP Synthase to phosphorylate ADP into ATP.
Byproducts of Pyruvate Oxidation
- Carbon dioxide is released as a byproduct and exhaled through the mouth.
Location of Pyruvate Oxidation
- Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix of eukaryotic cells.
Occurrence for Glucose
- Each glucose molecule results in two cycles of pyruvate oxidation.
Balanced Reaction
- The reaction can be expressed as: 2 Pyruvate → 2 Acetyl-CoA + 2 CO2 + 2 NADH.
Aerobic Nature
- Pyruvate oxidation is classified as an aerobic process requiring oxygen.
Prokaryotic Occurrence
- In prokaryotes, pyruvate oxidation takes place in the cytoplasm due to the absence of mitochondria.
Coenzyme A Attachment
- The final product of pyruvate oxidation, acetyl-CoA, has an acetyl group attached to Coenzyme A, which initiates the Krebs cycle.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the significance of pyruvate oxidation in cellular respiration. This quiz covers key concepts such as the formation of acetyl-CoA and the reduction of NAD+ during this critical metabolic process.
