Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism

Pyruvate Oxidation

Biochemistry

Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism

Pyruvate Oxidation

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Multiple Choice

Which process connects glycolysis and the citric acid cycle?

Gluconeogenesis

Substrate-level phosphorylation

Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA

Electron transport chain

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, while the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) is a series of reactions that generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA. The connection between these two processes involves converting pyruvate into acetyl-CoA.

Identify the key reaction: The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA is known as oxidative decarboxylation. This reaction is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, a multi-enzyme system.

Break down the reaction: During oxidative decarboxylation, pyruvate undergoes decarboxylation (removal of a carboxyl group as CO₂) and is oxidized. The remaining two-carbon molecule is then attached to coenzyme A (CoA) to form acetyl-CoA.

Understand the role of cofactors: The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex requires several cofactors, including thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), lipoic acid, FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide), NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and CoA. These cofactors facilitate the transfer of electrons and the formation of acetyl-CoA.

Connect the processes: Acetyl-CoA produced from pyruvate enters the citric acid cycle, where it combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, initiating the cycle. This highlights how oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate serves as the critical link between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.