Enzyme helping in oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid is

Options

A. Pyruvic Kinase
B. Pyruvic dehydrogenase
C. Malate dehydrogenase
D. Succinic dehydrogenase.

Answer

To solve the question about the enzyme that helps in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**:
- Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose (a six-carbon compound) into pyruvate (a three-carbon compound).
- At the end of glycolysis, two molecules of pyruvate are produced from one molecule of glucose.

**Hint**: Recall that glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration, breaking down glucose into pyruvate.

2. **Link Reaction**:
- Before pyruvate can enter the Krebs cycle, it undergoes a process known as the link reaction (or pyruvate decarboxylation).
- This reaction connects glycolysis to the Krebs cycle.

**Hint**: The link reaction is crucial as it prepares pyruvate for entry into the Krebs cycle.

3. **Decarboxylation Process**:
- During the link reaction, each pyruvate molecule is converted into acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA).
- This conversion involves the removal of a carbon atom from pyruvate, which is released as carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is known as decarboxylation.

**Hint**: Remember that decarboxylation specifically refers to the removal of carbon dioxide from a compound.

4. **Oxidative Reaction**:
- The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA is also an oxidative process, as it involves the reduction of NAD+ to NADH.
- This step is essential for the continuation of cellular respiration.

**Hint**: Oxidation-reduction reactions are key in energy production within cells.

5. **Identifying the Enzyme**:
- The enzyme responsible for catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate is known as **pyruvate dehydrogenase**.
- This enzyme facilitates the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl CoA while releasing CO2 and producing NADH.

**Hint**: Focus on the name of the enzyme; it indicates its function related to pyruvate and dehydrogenation.

### Final Answer:
The enzyme helping in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid is **pyruvate dehydrogenase**.