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Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: How many enzymes does it contain? How many cofactors does it require?

User AmitM
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Final answer:

The Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex consists of three enzymes and requires five cofactors to convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, a vital step in energy production. Deficiency in this complex can cause significant health problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex contains three enzymes: Pyruvate Dehydrogenase, Dihydrolipoyl Transacetylase, and Dihydrolipoyl Dehydrogenase. These enzymes function collectively to convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, a critical step in cellular respiration. The complex also requires the presence of five cofactors for its enzymatic activity: Thiamine pyrophosphate, Lipoic acid, Coenzyme-A (CoA), Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Deficiency in this complex can lead to serious metabolic disorders such as Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD), which can have a range of impacts on health, including neurodegenerative diseases.

User Glennys
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