Question

Question: What is the oxidizing agent in the following reaction?

1. oxygen
2. NADH
3. lactate
4. pyruvate

Short answer

1. The option "oxygen" is false.
2. The option "NADH" is false.
3. The option "lactate" is false.
4. The option "pyruvate" is true.

Step-by-step solution

Glycolysis

Glycolysis is the first reaction of the metabolic processes. A series of reactions occurs after glycolysis, namely Kreb's cycle, electron transport chain, and others.

Explanation of option '(A)'

Oxygen is a terminal electron acceptor that is involved in the process of the electron transport chain. It is associated with the liberation of energy.

Thus, oxygen is not the oxidizing agent in the given reaction.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option '(B)'

NADH is a coenzyme that is involved in metabolic reactions. The NADH donates an electron to the pyruvate molecule during the process of anaerobic conversion.

Thus, NADH is not the oxidizing agent in this reaction.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option '(C)'

Lactate is a product that is produced from pyruvate in the absence of oxygen. The formation of lactate happens in muscle cells.

Thus, lactate is not the oxidizing produced in this reaction.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option '(D)'

Pyruvate tends to accept electrons from NADH during the fermentation mechanism. It is also converted to other products such as lactate.

Thus, pyruvate is the oxidizing agent in the given reaction.

Therefore, the given statement is true.