Pyruvate Processing
Pyruvate produced by glycolysis can go one of two ways: fermentation (in the absence of oxygen) or cellular respiration (in the presence of oxygen).
Pyruvate Processing or Oxidation
In eukaryotes, cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. Pyruvate is transported into the mitochondrial matrix and is converted to acetyl-CoA. In prokaryotes, it remains in cytosol.
- Pyruvate is converted to acetyl-CoA by pyruvate dehydrogenase.
- The reaction produces 1 NADH and therefore 2 NADH per molecule of glucose.
Balance after Glycolysis + Pyruvate Processing
After glycolysis and pyruvate processing, acetyl-CoA produced is ready to enter the Citric Acid or Krebs cycle (stage 3).
