Question

Name the site (s) of pyruvate synthesis. Also, write the chemical reaction wherein pyruvic acid dehydrogenase acts as a catalyst.

Answer 1

Pyruvate is synthesized in the cytoplasm of the cell by the process of glycolysis. 1 molecule of glucose forms 2 molecules of pyruvate through a series of reactions.

Pyruvic acid dehydrogenase catalyses the reaction in which pyruvate forms acetyl Co - A. It requires NAD⁺, Co-enzyme A and Mg²⁺ ions for its activity. The reaction is as follows

\[\ce{Pyruvic acid + Co - A + NAD^{+} ->[Mg^{2+}][Pyruvate Dehydrogenase] Acetyl Co - A + NADH + H^+ + Co2 ↑}\]