Bioenergetics of Glycolysis and Pyruvate Metabolism

Very Hard Biochemistry Bioenergetics

In cellular metabolism, the conversion of glucose to pyruvate via glycolysis is a key process. This pathway generates a net yield of ATP and NADH. Under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate can be further metabolized through fermentation, while in aerobic conditions, it enters the citric acid cycle for further oxidation. When considering the thermodynamics of these pathways, it is essential to assess their energy yields and contributions to metabolic pathways.

This question explores the processes involved in energy transformation during glycolysis and subsequent metabolic pathways. A particular focus is placed on the role of NAD⁺ and the conditions under which pyruvate is reduced into lactate or decarboxylated to acetyl-CoA.

Which of the following statements about the bioenergetics of glycolysis and its relation to pyruvate metabolism is correct?

Glycolysis produces more ATP in anaerobic conditions than in aerobic conditions.

NADH produced during glycolysis must be oxidized to NAD<sup>+</sup> for glycolysis to continue, which occurs in fermentation.

The reduction of pyruvate to lactate regenerates less NAD<sup>+</sup> than the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.

During aerobic respiration, the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA does not yield any NADH.

Hint

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