What does the PDH complex convert pyruvate into?

The PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) complex plays a crucial role in cellular respiration by converting pyruvate, which is produced during glycolysis, into acetyl-CoA. This conversion is a pivotal step as acetyl-CoA serves as the main substrate for the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), linking glycolysis to subsequent pathways of energy production.

During this process, pyruvate undergoes decarboxylation, where one carbon atom is removed and released as carbon dioxide, and then it is combined with coenzyme A to form acetyl-CoA. This transformation is essential for aerobic respiration, as acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which are vital for energy production in the cell.

Understanding the role of the PDH complex in converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA helps highlight the integration of carbohydrate metabolism into broader energy-producing pathways within the cell.