AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two three-carbon molecules of pyruvate. The mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex then catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to produce acetyl-CoA, a two-carbon acetyl unit that is ligated to the acyl-group carrier, CoA [6].

Detailed explanation-2: -Pyruvate is converted into acetyl-coenzyme A, which is the main input for a series of reactions known as the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle).

Detailed explanation-3: -The acetyl CoA is formed from the end product of glycolysis i.e. pyruvate. The formation of acetyl CoA takes place with the help of the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase and coenzyme A. During the breakdown of pyruvate, electrons are transferred to NAD+ to produce NADH, which will be used by the cell to produce ATP.

Detailed explanation-4: -The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA is a three-step process. Figure 7.8. 1: Breakdown of Pyruvate: Each pyruvate molecule loses a carboxylic group in the form of carbon dioxide. The remaining two carbons are then transferred to the enzyme CoA to produce Acetyl CoA.

Detailed explanation-5: -The enzyme-bound acetyl group is transferred to CoA, producing a molecule of acetyl CoA. Upon entering the mitochondrial matrix, a multi-enzyme complex converts pyruvate into acetyl CoA. In the process, carbon dioxide is released and one molecule of NADH is formed.