Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

22. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Pyruvate Oxidation

GOB Chemistry

22. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Pyruvate Oxidation

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5:01 minutes

Problem 30

Textbook Question

What coenzymes are needed for the oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Pyruvate oxidation is a key step in cellular respiration where pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle. This process occurs in the mitochondria and requires specific coenzymes to facilitate the reaction.

Identify the enzyme complex involved: The enzyme responsible for this reaction is the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), which catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate.

List the coenzymes required: The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex requires several coenzymes to function. These include: (1) Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), (2) Lipoic acid (lipoamide), (3) Coenzyme A (CoA), (4) Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and (5) Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺).

Explain the role of each coenzyme: (1) TPP helps in the decarboxylation of pyruvate. (2) Lipoic acid acts as a carrier of acyl groups and electrons. (3) CoA accepts the acetyl group to form acetyl CoA. (4) FAD is involved in electron transfer within the enzyme complex. (5) NAD⁺ accepts electrons to form NADH, which is used in further energy production.

Summarize the reaction: Pyruvate is oxidized to acetyl CoA with the help of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the coenzymes TPP, lipoic acid, CoA, FAD, and NAD⁺. This reaction also produces NADH and releases CO₂ as a byproduct.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pyruvate Oxidation

Pyruvate oxidation is a crucial metabolic process that occurs in the mitochondria, where pyruvate, derived from glycolysis, is converted into acetyl CoA. This reaction is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and is essential for linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle, allowing for further energy production.

Coenzymes in Metabolism

Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions. In the context of pyruvate oxidation, key coenzymes include NAD+ and Coenzyme A (CoA). NAD+ is reduced to NADH during the process, while CoA is essential for forming acetyl CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle.

NAD+ and Coenzyme A

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) acts as an electron carrier, accepting electrons during the oxidation of pyruvate, which is vital for energy production. Coenzyme A (CoA) is a carrier of acyl groups and is crucial for the formation of acetyl CoA from pyruvate, enabling its entry into the citric acid cycle for further energy extraction.

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