AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Pyruvate-three carbons-is converted to acetyl CoA, a two-carbon molecule attached to coenzyme A . A molecule of coenzyme A is a necessary reactant for this reaction, which releases a molecule of carbon dioxide and reduces a NAD+ to NADH.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA, each pyruvate molecule loses one carbon atom with the release of carbon dioxide. 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-3: -Acetyl CoA from the link reaction reacts with a four-carbon molecule called oxaloacetate. The coenzyme A portion of acetyl CoA is removed and returns to the link reaction to be reused. A 6-carbon molecule called citrate is produced. Carbon and hydrogen are removed from citrate, forming carbon dioxide and reduced NAD.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pyruvate decarboxylation or oxidative decarboxylation reaction is a biochemical reaction that uses pyruvate to form acetyl-CoA, releasing NADH, a reducing equivalent, and carbon dioxide via decarboxylation. This reaction is common in most organisms as a link between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

Detailed explanation-5: -Pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation to produce acetyl CoA. Pyruvic acid is a product of glycolysis. Pyruvate is oxidized in the presence of a complex known as pyruvate dehydrogenase.