Final answer:
Pyruvate oxidation is the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA in the mitochondria, releasing carbon dioxide and producing NADH. This process is an important step in energy production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pyruvate oxidation is a process that occurs in the mitochondria of cells during aerobic respiration. It involves the conversion of pyruvate, which is a three-carbon molecule, into acetyl-CoA, a two-carbon molecule, along with the release of carbon dioxide and the production of NADH. This reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme called pyruvate dehydrogenase and is an important step in the overall energy production process. Acetyl-CoA can then enter the citric acid cycle to generate more ATP.