In the presence of oxygen, the three-carbon compound pyruvate can be catabolized in the citric acid cycle. First, however, the pyruvate (1) loses a carbon, which is given off as a molecule of CO2, (2) is oxidized to form a two-carbon compound called acetate, and (3) is bonded to coenzyme A.
-These three steps result in the formation of
A) acetyl CoA, O2, and ATP.
B) acetyl CoA, FADH2, and CO2.
C) acetyl CoA, FAD, H2, and CO2.
D) acetyl CoA, NADH, H+, and CO2.
E) acetyl CoA, NAD+, ATP, and CO2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The three steps result in the formation of acetyl CoA, which combines with oxaloacetate to begin the citric acid cycle, and the release of CO2. The oxidation of pyruvate also produces NADH and H+. FAD is not involved in this process, and ATP is not directly formed during this step of aerobic respiration.

In the Presence of Oxygen, the Three-Carbon Compound Pyruvate Can