The process that converts pyruvate to acetyl CoA is called oxidative decarboxylation.
This key metabolic step occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and links glycolysis to the Krebs cycle. During this reaction, a three-carbon pyruvate molecule undergoes three major changes:
Oxidation: It loses electrons.
Decarboxylation: A carboxyl group is removed, releasing a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Combination with Coenzyme A: The remaining two-carbon acetyl group combines with coenzyme A to form acetyl CoA.
The entire process is catalyzed by a large enzyme complex called the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
