Question

How many molecules of${\mathbf{NAD}}^{+}$ are required to convert one molecule of glucose to pyruvate?

Short answer

Two molecules of ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$are required for the conversion of one molecule of glucose to pyruvate.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Role of NAD+

${\mathbf{NAD}}^{+}$, is used as an oxidizing agent in glycolysis. If glycolysis is to continue, the NADH that is produced must be oxidized back to NAD+. Otherwise, no NAD+ will be available as an oxidizing agent.

Glucose to pyruvate conversion

Two molecules of ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$are required for the conversion of one molecule of glucose to pyruvate. Each molecule of D-glucose is converted to two molecules of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, and each molecule of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate requires one molecule of${\text{NAD}}^{+}$ for it to be converted into one molecule of pyruvate.