Where does the formation of acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid take place ?

Options

A. Mitochondria
B. Chloroplast
C. Cytoplasm
D. Golgi body

Answer

To answer the question "Where does the formation of acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid take place?", we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: The first step of cellular respiration is glycolysis, which occurs in the cytoplasm. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid (or pyruvate).

2. **Transport of Pyruvate**: After glycolysis, the two molecules of pyruvic acid are transported from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria.

3. **Location of Pyruvate Oxidation**: Once inside the mitochondria, pyruvic acid undergoes a process called pyruvate oxidation. This process takes place specifically in the mitochondrial matrix.

4. **Formation of Acetyl CoA**: During pyruvate oxidation, each pyruvic acid molecule is converted into acetyl CoA (acetyl coenzyme A). This conversion involves the removal of a carbon atom from pyruvate, which is released as carbon dioxide.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the formation of acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid takes place in the mitochondrial matrix during the process known as pyruvate oxidation.

### Final Answer:
The formation of acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid takes place in the mitochondrial matrix during pyruvate oxidation.

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