Question

Pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetaldehyde and CO2. According to table 1, pyruvate decarboxylase is a

a) Hydrolase
b) Ligase
c) Lyase
d) Isomerase

Answer 1

Pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetaldehyde and CO2 by removing a carboxyl group from pyruvate. This is the first step in the fermentation process of pyruvic acid by yeast to produce ethanol.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetaldehyde and CO2. This is the first reaction in the fermentation of pyruvic acid by yeast to produce ethanol. Pyruvate decarboxylase removes a carboxyl group from pyruvate, releasing carbon dioxide and reducing the size of the molecule by one carbon to form acetaldehyde.