In mitochondrial matrix pyruvate undergoes_____

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pyruvate:**
- Pyruvate, also known as pyruvic acid, is a key intermediate in cellular respiration. It is produced from glucose through a process called glycolysis.

2. **Glycolysis:**
- Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

3. **Entry into Mitochondrial Matrix:**
- After glycolysis, the pyruvate molecules are transported into the mitochondrial matrix, where further processing occurs.

4. **Oxidative Decarboxylation:**
- In the mitochondrial matrix, pyruvate undergoes a process called oxidative decarboxylation. This is a crucial step in cellular respiration.

5. **Role of Enzyme:**
- The enzyme responsible for this reaction is called pyruvate dehydrogenase. This enzyme facilitates the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA.

6. **Formation of Acetyl-CoA:**
- During oxidative decarboxylation, one carbon atom is removed from pyruvate in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), and the remaining two-carbon molecule is converted into acetyl-CoA.

7. **NADH Production:**
- In this process, one molecule of NAD+ is reduced to NADH, which serves as an important reducing agent in cellular respiration.

8. **Entry into Krebs Cycle:**
- The acetyl-CoA produced then enters the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle) for further energy extraction.

**Final Answer:**
In the mitochondrial matrix, pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation to form acetyl-CoA.

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