AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The conversion is a three-step process ([link]). Step 1. A carboxyl group is removed from pyruvate, releasing a molecule of carbon dioxide into the surrounding medium. The result of this step is a two-carbon hydroxyethyl group bound to the enzyme (pyruvate dehydrogenase).

Detailed explanation-2: -First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+ to produce NADH, forming acetate.

Detailed explanation-3: -That is a lyase activity. Hence Pyruvate decarboxylase is a lyase class enzyme.

Detailed explanation-4: -A carboxyl group is removed from pyruvate and released as carbon dioxide. The two-carbon molecule from the first step is oxidized, and NAD+ accepts the electrons to form NADH.

Detailed explanation-5: -If a cell lacks mitochondria, is poorly oxygenated, or energy demand has rapidly increased to exceed the rate at which oxidative phosphorylation can provide sufficient ATP, pyruvate can be converted to lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase.