Question

What is the role of Coenzyme A?
A) It gets broken down to make ATP
B) It gets attached to a two carbon molecule
C) It is an enzyme that breaks down pyruvate
D) It is an enzyme that will break down acetyl
E) None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

B) It gets attached to a two carbon molecule

Explanation:

Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate in the mitochondrial matrix produces two carbon molecule. This two carbon molecule is attached to CoA and acetyl CoA is formed. Coenzyme A (CoA) gets attached to the acetyl group via its thiol group and serves as acyl carrier for the first reaction of Kreb's cycle.

The acetyl CoA then enters the Kreb's cycle and is completely broken down into CO2 and H2O.