Waiting
Login processing...

Trial ends in Request Full Access Tell Your Colleague About Jove

8.6: Pyruvate Oxidation
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

JoVE Core
Biology

A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content.

Education
Pyruvate Oxidation
 
TRANSCRIPT

8.6: Pyruvate Oxidation

After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.

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.

Finally, coenzyme A—a sulfur-containing compound derived from a B vitamin—attaches to the acetate via its sulfur atom to create acetyl coenzyme A, or acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA then moves into the citric acid cycle where it will be further oxidized.


Suggested Reading

Tags

Pyruvate Oxidation Glycolysis Mitochondria Active Transport Enzymatic Reactions Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Carboxyl Group Carbon Dioxide Acetyl Group NAD+ NADH Coenzyme A Acetyl Coenzyme A Acetyl CoA Citric Acid Cycle Oxidized

Get cutting-edge science videos from JoVE sent straight to your inbox every month.

Waiting X
Simple Hit Counter