Question

What molecules determines whether pyruvic acid will undergo fermination or be converted for entry into the Krebs cycle

Answer 1

Acetyl-CoA determines whether pyruvic acid undergoes fermentation or enters the Krebs cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecule that determines whether pyruvic acid will undergo fermentation or be converted for entry into the Krebs cycle is acetyl-CoA. Pyruvate is first converted into acetyl-CoA by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase in a process called oxidative decarboxylation. Acetyl-CoA is then used as a starting molecule in the Krebs cycle to generate energy in the form of ATP. If there is a lack of oxygen, pyruvate can be converted into lactate or ethanol through fermentation.