Pyruvate is a reactant in the Glycolysis Reactions + an additional step (in cytoplasm): Alcoholic Fermentation (yeast cells) and Lactic Acid Fermentation (higher animal muscle tissue during heavy activity).
Pyruvate is also a reactant in The Kreb's Cycle Reactions.
At the end of glycolysis, we have two pyruvate molecules that still contain lots of extractable energy. Pyruvate oxidation is the next step in capturing the remaining energy in the form of ATP, although no ATP is made directly during pyruvate oxidation.
In eukaryotes, this step takes place in the matrix, the innermost compartment of mitochondria. In prokaryotes, it happens in the cytoplasm. Overall, pyruvate oxidation converts pyruvate—a three-carbon molecule—into acetyl CoA—a two-carbon molecule attached to Coenzyme A—producing an NADH and releasing one carbon dioxide molecule in the process. Acetyl CoA acts as fuel for the citric acid cycle in the next stage of cellular respiration.
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