What happens to pyruvate after glycolysis, in the presence of oxygen?

After glycolysis, when oxygen is present, pyruvate undergoes a transformation that prepares it for entry into the Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle. Specifically, pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria, where it is converted into acetyl-CoA through a process called pyruvate decarboxylation. This reaction not only removes a carbon dioxide molecule but also enables acetyl-CoA to link the glycolytic pathway to the Krebs cycle.

In the Krebs cycle, acetyl-CoA is further processed, leading to the production of high-energy electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2, which are vital for the subsequent stages of cellular respiration. The completion of these processes ultimately contributes to the generation of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.

The transformation of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA and its subsequent participation in the Krebs cycle is essential for aerobic metabolism, allowing the cell to efficiently extract energy from glucose.