Question

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is used in converting

• A. pyruvate to glucose
• B. glucose to pyruvate
• C. pyruvic acid to lactic acid
• D. pyruvate to acetyl CoA

Answer 1

The correct option is D pyruvate to acetyl CoA

The end product of glycolysis (breakdown of glucose) is pyruvate. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm. Pyruvate enters mitochondria through a specific transport protein called pyruvate translocase.

Pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation inside mitochondria to produce ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ and NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). The product combines with sulphur-containing coenzyme A to form acetyl CoA or activated acetate. The reaction occurs in the presence of an enzyme complex called pyruvate dehydrogenase.