Which compounds are reactants of the PDH complex?

The pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, specifically in connecting glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. It catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate, which is derived from glucose metabolism, into acetyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle.

In this process, pyruvate is one of the primary substrates. Along with pyruvate, the PDH complex requires coenzymes, particularly CoA and NAD+. CoA is essential for the formation of acetyl-CoA, while NAD+ acts as an electron acceptor, being reduced to NADH in the reaction. This highlights the need for both coenzymes to facilitate the enzymatic transformation of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA efficiently.

This combination of reactants—pyruvate, NAD+, and CoA—engages in a series of enzymatic reactions, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and generating NADH. Each component's role is pivotal for the PDH complex's function, making this the correct answer. This underscores the importance of understanding the metabolic pathways and the specific molecules involved in each step.