In the formation of Acetyl Co-A from pyruvic acid in mitochondria, pyruvic acid gets

Options

A. oxidised
B. decarboxylated
C. both (1) and (2)
D. reduced and isomerised

Answer

To solve the question regarding the formation of Acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid in mitochondria, we need to analyze the biochemical process involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Pyruvic Acid**:
- Pyruvic acid (C3H4O3) is the end product of glycolysis and is transported into the mitochondria for further processing.

**Hint**: Remember that pyruvic acid is a key intermediate in cellular respiration.

2. **Enzymatic Reaction**:
- The conversion of pyruvic acid to Acetyl CoA occurs through an enzymatic reaction catalyzed by the enzyme **pyruvate dehydrogenase**.

**Hint**: Identify the enzyme involved in the conversion process.

3. **Decarboxylation**:
- During this reaction, one carbon atom is removed from pyruvic acid in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is known as **decarboxylation**.

**Hint**: Look for the removal of a carbon atom as CO2 in the reaction.

4. **Oxidation**:
- Simultaneously, the remaining two-carbon molecule is oxidized. This oxidation process involves the reduction of NAD+ to NADH, which is a key aspect of energy production.

**Hint**: Focus on the role of NAD+ and its reduction during the process.

5. **Formation of Acetyl CoA**:
- The remaining two-carbon fragment (acetyl group) then combines with Coenzyme A (CoA) to form Acetyl CoA.

**Hint**: Remember that Acetyl CoA is formed from the combination of the acetyl group and CoA.

6. **Final Conclusion**:
- Therefore, in the formation of Acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid, pyruvic acid is both **oxidized** and **decarboxylated**.

**Hint**: Summarize the two key processes that occur: oxidation and decarboxylation.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **both 1 and 2** (pyruvic acid gets oxidized and decarboxylated).