What is oxidative decarboxylation ? What happens to pyruvate immediately after this reaction ? Name the enzyme involved in this reaction.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Oxidative Decarboxylation**:
- Oxidative decarboxylation is a biochemical process where a carboxyl group is removed from a compound, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This process also involves the oxidation of the compound, which means that hydrogen atoms are removed (dehydrogenation) during the reaction.

2. **What Happens to Pyruvate After Oxidative Decarboxylation**:
- Immediately after oxidative decarboxylation, pyruvate, which is the end product of glycolysis, is converted into Acetyl-CoA. This conversion is crucial as Acetyl-CoA then enters the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) for further energy production.

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