If pyruvate oxidation is blocked, what will happen to the levels of oxaloacetate and citric acid in the citric acid cycle shown in Figure 7.1?
A) There will be no change in the levels of oxaloacetate and citric acid.
B) Oxaloacetate will decrease and citric acid will accumulate.
C) Oxaloacetate will accumulate and citric acid will decrease.
D) Both oxaloacetate and citric acid will decrease.
E) Both oxaloacetate and citric acid will accumulate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In pyruvate oxidation, pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, which is then used to combine with oxaloacetate to form citric acid. If pyruvate oxidation is blocked, then there will be no acetyl-CoA to combine with oxaloacetate, leading to a buildup of oxaloacetate and a decrease in citric acid levels. Therefore, the best choice is C, where oxaloacetate will accumulate and citric acid will decrease.

If Pyruvate Oxidation Is Blocked, What Will Happen to the Levels