PDH Basics
PDH Cofactors & Mechanisms
PDH Regulation
Citric Acid Cycle
Energy & Clinical Applications
100

This molecule is produced by Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDH) and enters the Citric Acid Cycle.

Acetyl-CoA

100

This vitamin B1 derivative is required by E1.

Thiamine Pyrophosphate (TPP)

100

This enzyme phosphorylates PDH and turns it off.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase

100

This molecule combines with acetyl-CoA to begin the cycle.

Oxaloacetate

100

This reaction generates GTP through substrate-level phosphorylation.

Succinyl-CoA synthase reaction

200

This enzyme performs oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate.

E1 (Pyruvate Dehydrogenase)

200

This cofactor functions as a flexible swinging arm between active sites.

Lipoamide

200

This enzyme removes the phosphate and activates PDH.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase

200

This enzyme catalyzes the first step of the cycle.

Citrate synthase

200

How many NADh molecules are produced per turn of the Citric Acid Cycle?

3 NADH

300

This enzyme transfers the acetal group to CoA.

E2 (Dihydrolipoyl Transacetylase)

300

This cofactor forms a high-energy thioester bond that captures the acetyl group before it enters the Citric Acid Cycle.

Coenzyme A

300

High concentrations of ATP, NADH, and acetyl-CoA have what effect on the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase?

They inhibit PDH by activating PDH kinase

300

This enzyme rearranges citrate into isocitrate through dehydration followed by hydration.

Aconitase

300

How many FADH2 molecules are produced per turn of the Citric Acid Cycle?

1 FADH2

400

This enzyme regenerates oxidized lipoamide.

E3 (Dihydrolipoyl Dehydrogenase)

400

The two cofactors participate in electron transfer during regeneration of lipoamide.

FAD and NAD+

400

These two molecules inhibit PDH kinase.

ADP and pyruvate

400

This enzyme performs the first oxidative decarboxylation in the cycle.

Isocitrate Dehydrogenase

400

During which two reactions are carbon dioxide molecules released in the Citric Acid Cycle?

The isocitrate dehydrogenase reaction and the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase reaction

500

This inherited disorder causes lactic acidosis because pyruvate cannot efficiently become acetyl-CoA.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency

500

Name the five cofactors required by PDH.

TPP, Lipoamide, CoA, FAD, NAD+

500

Why is the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex often called the ‘gatekeeper’ of the Citric Acid Cycle?

Because it controls whether pyruvate can enter aerobic metabolism as acetyl-CoA

500

This enzyme participates in both the Citric Acid and the Electron Transport Chain.

Succinate Dehydrogenase

500

This vitamin deficiency reduces activity of both PDH and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase?

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficency