Question

In the presence of oxygen, the three-carbon compound pyruvate can be catabolized in the citric acid cycle. first, however, the pyruvate (1) loses a carbon, which is given off as a molecule of co2, (2) is oxidized to form a two-carbon compound called acetate, and (3) is bonded to coenzyme

a. why is coenzyme a, a sulfur-containing molecule derived from a b vitamin, added?

Answer 1

It would be added since it is to provide an unstable molecule which can bind to the oxaloacetate. This is due to it's acetyl portion.