Chapter 17, Problem 1P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reaction which links the process of glycolysis, citric acid cycle also the enzyme involved in it needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Metabolism is the chemical process that takes place within a living organism in order to sustain life. Metabolic reactions can be considered as catabolic and anabolic. Catabolic processes are those in which the break down of compounds takes place. Anabolic processes are those in which the synthesis of compounds occurs.

Answer to Problem 1P

Pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex is required for the linking of glycolysis and TCA. It helps in the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA then enters into the series of the citric acid cycle.

Explanation of Solution

Glycolysis is a catabolic process. In this process, one glucose molecule is converted into two molecules of pyruvate. The energy released during this process is useful in the formation of high-energy adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules and reduced nicotinamide adenine (NADH) molecules.

The citric acid cycle is a catabolic process. It is also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle. In this cycle, a series of chemical reactions help in the release of stored energy in the form of ATP molecules by the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

The reaction which links the process of glycolysis and citric acid cycle also, the enzyme involved in it is as follows:

  ${\text{Pyruvate + CoA + NAD}}^{\text{+}}\underset{\text{dehydrogenase}}{\overset{\text{Pyurvate}}{\to }}{\text{Acetyl CoA + NADH + H}}^{\text{+}}{\text{+ CO}}_{\text{2}}$

Pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex is required for the linking of glycolysis and TCA. It helps in the conversion of pyruvate into Acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA then enters into the series of the citric acid cycle.