Pyruvate Oxidation and the Citric Acid Cycle
SLCC BIOL Videos・2 minutes read
Pyruvate oxidation and the citric acid cycle are crucial steps in cellular respiration, converting pyruvate into acetyl CoA and breaking down glucose into energy. This process results in the production of NADH, FADH2, and ATP or GTP, which power the electron transport chain and ATP production in the cell.
Insights
- Pyruvate oxidation in cellular respiration converts pyruvate to acetyl CoA in the mitochondria, releasing carbon dioxide and generating an acetyl group with two carbon atoms.
- The citric acid cycle, or Krebs cycle, further breaks down glucose molecules, producing NADH, FADH2, and ATP/GTP, which are essential for fueling the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis in cells.
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Recent questions
What is pyruvate oxidation?
Pyruvate oxidation is the process where pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA in the mitochondrial Matrix, releasing carbon dioxide if oxygen is present.
What happens during the citric acid cycle?
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, breaks down glucose molecules, starting and ending with oxaloacetate. Each acetyl group from pyruvate oxidation produces citrate, leading to the production of NADH, FADH2, and ATP or GTP.
How are electrons involved in pyruvate oxidation?
Electrons are removed from pyruvate and accepted by NAD plus during pyruvate oxidation, converting pyruvate into an acetyl group with two carbon atoms.
What is the significance of NADH and FADH2 in cellular respiration?
NADH and FADH2 produced during the citric acid cycle are crucial for powering the electron transport chain and ATP production in the cell.
Where does the carbon dioxide released during pyruvate oxidation go?
The carbon dioxide released during pyruvate oxidation diffuses out of the cell and is eventually exhaled.
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Summary
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Cellular Respiration: Pyruvate Oxidation & Citric Cycle
- Pyruvate oxidation and the citric acid cycle are essential steps in cellular respiration, occurring after glycolysis. If oxygen is present, pyruvate is transported into the mitochondrial Matrix for oxidation into acetyl COA, releasing carbon dioxide.
- During pyruvate oxidation, electrons are removed from pyruvate and accepted by NAD plus, converting pyruvate into an acetyl Group with two carbon atoms. The released carbon dioxide diffuses out of the cell and is eventually exhaled.
- The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, completes the breakdown of glucose molecules. It starts and ends with oxaloacetate, with each acetyl group from pyruvate oxidation producing citrate. This cycle results in the production of NADH, FADH2, and ATP or GTP, crucial for powering the electron transport chain and ATP production in the cell.
