Question

How many oxygen molecule required for complete oxidation of one molecule of acetyl Co-A?

• A. $4$
• B. $3$
• C. $1$
• D. $2$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $4$

Oxidation of the two carbon acetyl group of acetyl coenzyme A occurs in the citric acid cycle. Acetyl CoA condenses with oxalic acid, releasing coenzyme to react again with pyruvic acid. Through these reactions, the two carbons from the acetyl CoA are released as carbon dioxide. This process is called oxidative decarboxylation. Each carbon requires two molecules of oxygen to release as carbon dioxide. Hence, two carbons required four molecules of oxygen for this reaction. Thus, the correct answer is option A, 4.