Question

Number of oxygen atoms required for aerobic oxidation of pyruvate

• A. $5$
• B. $8$
• C. $10$
• D. $12$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$10$

Two molecules of pyruvate are formed from the breakdown of glucose at the end of glycolysis. The pyruvate is then converted to acetyl CoA which is further oxidized in the mitochondria. Acetyl CoA enters Krebs cycle and is oxidized to $C{O}_2$, $H_{2}O$, $ATP$, $FAD{H}_2$ and $NAD{H}^{+}$. This complete oxidation of pyruvate requires 10 molecules of oxygen.

So, the correct answer is '10'