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Cellular respiration is composed of many RedOx reactions.Which of the following

ID: 4725 • Letter: C

Question

Cellular respiration is composed of many RedOx reactions.Which of the following conversions represents a reduction reactionwhere the first molecule becomes reduced to the second? please choose correct answer A-Pyruvate~Acetyl CoA(acetyl coenzyme A) B-Pyruvate Lactate C-Glucose Pyruvate D-NADH+H(+)-NAD+ +2H E-Glucose (C6H12O6)=6 CO 2 Cellular respiration is composed of many RedOx reactions.Which of the following conversions represents a reduction reactionwhere the first molecule becomes reduced to the second? please choose correct answer A-Pyruvate~Acetyl CoA(acetyl coenzyme A) B-Pyruvate Lactate C-Glucose Pyruvate D-NADH+H(+)-NAD+ +2H E-Glucose (C6H12O6)=6 CO 2

Explanation / Answer

B is correct. The conversion of pyruvate into lactate is areduction process where pyruvate gains electrons in the form ofhydrogens. If you look at the lactate molecule, you would see thatthere are 2 additional Hs. One on the hydroxyl group (OH) and theother is on the carbon with the OH group attached. These hydrogensare not present on the pyruvate molecule. During lacticfermentation, the carbonyl group (C=O) on the pyruvate molecule isreduced, which is evident by the presence of 2 Hs on the lactatemolecule. If you have taken chemistry, you could find the formalcharge of the atoms on the lactate. You would find that an atom ortwo have gained electrons if you compare their formal charge tothat on pyruvate.