Pyruvate Oxidation

Pyruvate Oxidation is the second series of steps in Cellular Respiration. It occurs right after pyruvates are formed in Glycolysis. This stage is the first of the final 3 stages to occur in the Mitochondria.

To fully understand Pyruvate Oxidation, we must first look at the structure of a Mitochondrion: Each has two double membranes. The Inner Membrane folds inwards to form Cristae, which increase the surface area. The area inside the inner membrane is called the Matrix.

Pyruvate Oxidation begins as pyruvate passes through the mitochondrial membranes. Pyruvate first passes through large pores in the Outer Membrane, but then must attach to a specific Protein carrier found on the Inner Membrane. As this happens, a Carboxyl group of the 3 Carbon Pyruvate is cleaved off, producing an Acetyl (2 Carbon molecule) and a Carbon dioxide. This acetyl group quickly bonds with a molecule called Coenzyme A. The resulting structure formed is called Acetyl-CoA (Also a 2 Carbon structure). The energy released from this catabolic reaction is harnessed in 2 NADH.

The conversion of Pyruvate to Acetyl-CoA is considered a Decarboxylation Reaction- an exergonic reaction that produces CO₂ as a waste product.