Final answer:
The pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction is part of the Krebs cycle. It converts pyruvate into acetyl CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle to generate high-energy molecules. References to the Krebs cycle that include the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction recognize its importance in the cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction is part of the Krebs cycle. During glycolysis, pyruvate is generated and then converted into acetyl CoA by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. Acetyl CoA then enters the Krebs cycle, where it is further processed to generate high-energy NADH, FADH2, and ATP molecules.
So, if a reference to the Krebs cycle includes the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction, it means that it acknowledges the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl CoA as a crucial step in the cycle.