In which stage(s) of cellular respiration is acetyl CoA a product?Group of answer choicescitric acid cycleglycolysisoxidative phosphorylationpyruvate oxidation

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify stages of cellular respiration to determine where acetyl CoA is produced.
2. Evaluate each option: citric acid cycle, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and pyruvate oxidation.

Relevant Concepts

• Cellular Respiration Stages: The main stages of cellular respiration include glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation (link reaction), the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.

Analysis and Detail

1. Glycolysis: This is the first stage of cellular respiration that converts glucose into pyruvate, and acetyl CoA is not produced here.
2. Pyruvate Oxidation: This is the process that occurs after glycolysis where pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA. This stage directly produces acetyl CoA.
3. Citric Acid Cycle: Acetyl CoA enters this cycle, but it is not produced here; rather, it is used in this stage.
4. Oxidative Phosphorylation: This stage involves the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. Acetyl CoA is not produced here; it helps in energy production by utilizing NADH and FADH₂ generated in previous stages.

Verify and Summarize

• Accurately identifying each stage confirms that acetyl CoA is produced only during pyruvate oxidation and is used in the citric acid cycle.

Final Answer

Acetyl CoA is a product in pyruvate oxidation.