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Multiple Choice
Which molecule carries the carbon atoms from glycolysis into the citric acid cycle?
A
Pyruvate
B
Acetyl-CoA
C
Oxaloacetate
D
Citrate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH. The citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) is a subsequent pathway where carbon atoms are further oxidized to produce energy.
Step 2: Recognize that pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis. Pyruvate is a three-carbon molecule that serves as the starting point for the transition into the citric acid cycle.
Step 3: Learn the role of pyruvate in the transition step. Pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which converts it into acetyl-CoA. This reaction also produces NADH and releases one molecule of CO₂.
Step 4: Understand the importance of acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is a two-carbon molecule that carries the carbon atoms from glycolysis into the citric acid cycle. It combines with oxaloacetate (a four-carbon molecule) to form citrate (a six-carbon molecule), initiating the cycle.
Step 5: Clarify the roles of oxaloacetate and citrate. Oxaloacetate is regenerated at the end of the citric acid cycle and combines with acetyl-CoA to form citrate. Citrate is the first intermediate in the cycle but does not directly carry carbon atoms from glycolysis.