NEETBotanyRespiration in Plants
Which of the following correctly identifies the cellular location, enzyme, and required co-factors for the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid?
Options
- ACytoplasm; Pyruvate dehydrogenase; Mg ²⁺ , NAD ⁺ and CoA
- BMitochondrial matrix; Pyruvate kinase; Mg ²⁺ , NAD ⁺ and CoA
- CMitochondrial matrix; Pyruvate dehydrogenase; Mg ²⁺ , NAD ⁺ and CoA
- DMitochondrial matrix; Pyruvate dehydrogenase; Mg ²⁺ , NADP ⁺ and CoA
Correct answer
C. Mitochondrial matrix; Pyruvate dehydrogenase; Mg ²⁺ , NAD ⁺ and CoA
Step-by-step solution
The oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid occurs after it enters the mitochondrial matrix from the cytoplasm. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. The reaction requires the participation of specific co-factors, namely Mg ²⁺ , NAD ⁺ (not NADP ⁺ which is primarily involved in photosynthesis and anabolic reactions), and Coenzyme A (CoA). Hence, the correct combination is Mitochondrial matrix, Pyruvate dehydrogenase, Mg ²⁺ , NAD ⁺ and CoA. Answer: Mitochondrial matrix; Pyruvate dehydroge