In aerobic cellular respiration, pyruvate molecules must be transformed through a process called pyruvate oxidation before they can be broken down in the Krebs Cycle. What are the products of pyruvate oxidation?

• A. Acetyl CoA, O₂, and ATP.
• B. Acetyl and CO₂.
• C. Acetyl CoA, FADH₂, and CO₂.
• D. Acetyl CoA, NADH, and CO₂.
• E. Acetyl CoA, NAD⁺, ATP, and CO₂.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that pyruvate oxidation is a crucial step in aerobic cellular respiration, occurring in the mitochondria after glycolysis.
2. Recognize that during pyruvate oxidation, each pyruvate molecule is converted into Acetyl CoA, which is essential for entering the Krebs Cycle.
3. Identify that during this conversion, one molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2) is released as a byproduct, which is a result of the decarboxylation of pyruvate.
4. Note that NAD+ is reduced to NADH during pyruvate oxidation, capturing high-energy electrons for use in the electron transport chain.
5. Combine these observations to conclude that the products of pyruvate oxidation are Acetyl CoA, NADH, and CO2.