Pyruvic acid, the key product of glycolysis can have many metabolic fates. Under aerobic condition it forms

Options

A. lactic acid
B. `CO_(2) + H_(2)O`
C. acetyl `CoA + CO_(2)`
D. ethanol `+ CO_(2)`

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: Glycolysis is the metabolic process where one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvic acid (pyruvate). This occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen.

2. **Identifying the Fate of Pyruvic Acid**: Under aerobic conditions (when oxygen is present), pyruvic acid can undergo further metabolism. The key metabolic fate of pyruvic acid in the presence of oxygen is its conversion into acetyl-CoA.

3. **Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase**: The enzyme responsible for converting pyruvic acid to acetyl-CoA is called pyruvate dehydrogenase. During this conversion, one molecule of carbon dioxide is released.

4. **Formation of Acetyl-CoA**: The conversion of pyruvic acid to acetyl-CoA is crucial as acetyl-CoA then enters the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) in the mitochondrial matrix.

5. **Krebs Cycle Initiation**: In the Krebs cycle, acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citric acid, which is the starting point for a series of reactions that produce energy carriers.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, under aerobic conditions, pyruvic acid primarily forms acetyl-CoA and carbon dioxide.

**Final Answer**: Acetyl-CoA plus carbon dioxide.

---