Question

Before entering the TCA cycle, pyruvic acid converted into acetyl CoA. This process is known as

• A. Oxidative carboxylation
• B. Oxidative dehydration
• C. Oxidative decarboxylation
• D. Reductive phosphorylation

Answer 1

The correct option is C Oxidative decarboxylation

Before entering the TCA cycle, pyruvic acid converted into acetyl CoA. This process is known as oxidative decarboxylation. During this step, pyruvic acid loses one carbon atom with the release of carbon dioxide. In this step, NAD${}^{+}$ is converted into NADH. This step is catalyzed by pyruate dehydrogenase complex. The acetyl CoA then is converted to oxaloacetate, which enters the TCA cycle.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Oxidative decarboxylation.'