Question

Consider the reaction that converts pyruvic acid (CH3COCOOH) into gaseous acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and gaseous CO_2, which is catalyzed in aqueous solution by the enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase. Assume ideal gas behavior for CO_2.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the removal of a carboxyl group from pyruvic acid, releasing carbon dioxide and forming acetaldehyde. This reaction is involved in the production of ethanol through the fermentation of pyruvic acid by yeast.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the reaction that converts pyruvic acid to acetaldehyde and CO₂, the enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the removal of a carboxyl group from pyruvic acid, releasing carbon dioxide as a gas.

The loss of carbon dioxide reduces the size of the molecule by one carbon, resulting in the formation of acetaldehyde. This reaction plays a key role in the fermentation of pyruvic acid by yeast, which produces ethanol found in alcoholic beverages.