Pyruvic acid, the last product of glycolysis, is degraded to `CO_(2)" and "H_(2)`o

Options

A. Cytoplasm
B. Inner membrane of mitochondira
C. Matrix of mitochondria
D. Matrix of chloroplasts.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process. The end product of glycolysis is two molecules of pyruvate.

2. **Pyruvate Degradation**: After glycolysis, pyruvate can undergo further degradation. In aerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) through a series of reactions.

3. **Location of the Reaction**: The degradation of pyruvate occurs in the mitochondria. Specifically, pyruvate enters the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), which takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.

4. **Krebs Cycle**: During the Krebs cycle, each pyruvate molecule is broken down, releasing CO₂ as a waste product. For each glucose molecule (which yields two pyruvate molecules), a total of six CO₂ molecules are produced.

5. **Formation of Water**: Water is produced during the electron transport chain, which occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, combining with protons to form water.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the degradation of pyruvic acid to carbon dioxide and water occurs in the mitochondrial matrix during the Krebs cycle and the inner mitochondrial membrane during the electron transport chain.

**Final Answer**: The degradation of pyruvic acid to carbon dioxide and water occurs in the mitochondrial matrix (Krebs cycle) and the inner mitochondrial membrane (electron transport chain).

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