The conversion of pyruvic acid to acetyl-CoA can be described as ________, because a molecule of CO₂ is produced as a by-product.
A) decarboxylation
B) amination
C) respiration
D) oxidation
E) phosphorylation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decarboxylation is the process of removing a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, resulting in the release of CO₂ as a by-product. In the conversion of pyruvic acid to acetyl-CoA, a carboxyl group is removed from pyruvic acid, resulting in the production of CO₂ and the formation of acetyl-CoA. Therefore, the conversion process is described as decarboxylation.

The Conversion of Pyruvic Acid to Acetyl-CoA Can Be Described