DAT Quantitative Reasoning 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Pyruvate decarboxylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA. During this reaction, a carboxyl group is removed from pyruvate in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released as a byproduct. Additionally, this enzyme operates in the context of cellular respiration, specifically in the transition from glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.

In the process, a molecule of NAD+ is also reduced to form NADH. This reduction is essential as NADH will later contribute to the oxidative phosphorylation process, where it plays a critical role in ATP production. Thus, the products of the reaction facilitated by pyruvate decarboxylase include CO2, acetyl-CoA, and NADH, aligning perfectly with the indicated correct answer.

The other options do not accurately reflect the products of this enzymatic reaction. For instance, the idea that acetyl Co-A and oxygen are produced does not take into account the release of CO2. Meanwhile, pyruvate and NAD+ are not products but rather starting materials for the reaction. Glucose and ATP do not directly result from the action of pyruvate decarboxylase, as glucose