Chapter 24, Problem 24.33EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the cellular conditions under which pyruvate is converted to $\text{acetyl CoA}$ in the human body.

Concept introduction: In the glycolysis metabolic pathway, a glucose molecule is converted into two pyruvate molecules. Two ATP molecules and NADH-reduced coenzymes are formed along with pyruvate. Pyruvate is the end product in the glycolysis. Aerobic reactions need oxygen while anaerobic reactions take place in the absence of oxygen.

The production of the fate of pyruvate varies with the nature of the organism and the cellular conditions.