Acetyl-CoA Formation In the second phase of aerobic respiration, pyruvic acid moves from the cytosol into a mitochondrion, which is separated into inner and outer compartments by the inner mitochondrial mem- brane, Within the inner compartment, enzymes remove a carbon and two oxygen atoms from the three-carbon pyruvic acid 1 Pye acdis producedin yeahs. CHAPTER 25. Nuttion, Metabolism, and Temperature Region 943, molecule to form carbon dioxide and a two-carbon acetyl (a'e-til) ‘group (Figure 25.8). Fnergy is released in the reaction and is used to reduce NAD* to NADH, The acetyl group combines with coen- zyme A (CoA) to form acetyl-CoA. For each two pyruvic acid molecules from glycolysis, two acetyl-CoA molecules, two carbon dioxide molecules, and two NADH are formed (see figure 25.4). 2. Restyl-CoA formation Inthe presence of oxygen, pywvie aca is convened to S2etY-C0A which enters the iacdejcle. COzand NADH are produced Cri acid eyele Giro aed is onvertes {hough a series ofreacons {oraleacete acd, wich can Combine nth ace-CoAto Fesarthe oye. Inthe process, ATP, 3 NADH, 1 FADH. nd? CO, molecules are produced PROCESS FIGURE 25.8 Acetyl-CoA and the Citric Acid Cycle Pyruvc 2 om the ets is converted to aces in mtachonsa The aceS/-CA enters the ei ac gl