is pyruvate reduced or oxidized?
In prokaryotes, it happens in the cytoplasm. Overall, pyruvate oxidation converts pyruvate—a three-carbon molecule—into acetyl CoAstart text, C, o, A, end text—a two-carbon molecule attached to Coenzyme A—producing an NADHstart text, N, A, D, H, end text and releasing one carbon dioxide molecule in the process.