Final answer:
During the aerobic phase of cellular respiration, pyruvic acid is converted to acetic acid through pyruvate oxidation. This process occurs in the mitochondria and involves the formation of acetyl CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle for further breakdown and energy production.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the aerobic phase of cellular respiration, pyruvic acid is converted to acetic acid through a process called pyruvate oxidation, which is also known as pyruvate transformation. In eukaryotic cells, pyruvate molecules produced at the end of glycolysis are transported into the mitochondria where one CO₂ molecule is removed, resulting in the formation of an acetyl group. This acetyl group combines with coenzyme A (CoA) to form acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA then enters the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, where it is further broken down to release energy.