Which of the following is the site for oxidative decarboxylation?

Options

A. Cytosol
B. Outer membrane of mitochondria
C. Matrix of mitochondria
D. Both (A) and (C)

Answer

To determine the site for oxidative decarboxylation, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Oxidative Decarboxylation
Oxidative decarboxylation is a biochemical process that connects glycolysis to the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle). It involves the conversion of pyruvate (produced from glycolysis) into acetyl-CoA, with the release of carbon dioxide (CO2).

### Step 2: Identify the Reactants and Products
In this process, pyruvate (or pyruvic acid) is oxidized, leading to the formation of acetyl-CoA and the release of CO2. Additionally, NAD+ is reduced to NADH during this reaction.

### Step 3: Locate the Enzyme Involved
The enzyme responsible for this reaction is called Pyruvate Dehydrogenase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.

### Step 4: Determine the Location of the Reaction
The oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate occurs in the mitochondria. More specifically, it takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, which is the innermost compartment of the mitochondria.

### Step 5: Analyze the Options
Given the options:
- Cytosol
- Outer membrane of mitochondria
- Matrix of mitochondria
- Both A and B

The correct answer is the matrix of mitochondria, as this is where the oxidative decarboxylation process occurs.

### Final Answer
The site for oxidative decarboxylation is the **matrix of mitochondria**.

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