Question

Which type of reaction changes pyruvate to acetyl CoA?

• A. Oxidative decarboxylation
• B. Oxidative dehydrogenation
• C. Oxidative dehydration
• D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Answer 1

The correct option is A Oxidative decarboxylation

Pyruvate decarboxylation is far from equilibrium biochemical reaction, that uses pyruvate to form acetyl-CoA, releasing NADH, a reducing equivalent, and carbon dioxide via decarboxylation. This reaction is very common in most organisms as a link between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. In organisms that perform aerobic respiration, the reaction is usually catalysed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Thus, oxidative decarboxylation is a reaction that changes pyruvate to acetyl CoA. So, option A is correct.