In the following reaction, which molecule functions as the oxidizing agent?
Pyruvate + NADH + H+ -> Lactate + NAD+
A. NADH
B. Lactate
C. Pyruvate
D. NAD+
Answer (2)
The oxidizing agent in the given reaction is pyruvate, as it gains electrons from NADH and is reduced while NADH is oxidized. Pyruvate helps facilitate this oxidation process by accepting electrons. Hence, the correct answer is C. Pyruvate.
;
Pyruvate gains electrons and is reduced.
NADH loses electrons and is oxidized.
The oxidizing agent is the molecule that gains electrons.
Therefore, Pyruvate is the oxidizing agent: p yr uv a t e .
Explanation
Identifying the Oxidizing Agent In the given reaction, Pyruvate + N A DH + H + → Lactate + N A D + , we need to identify the oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent is the substance that gains electrons and gets reduced in the reaction. To determine this, we need to look at the changes in oxidation states or, more simply, which molecule facilitates the oxidation of another molecule by accepting electrons from it.
Determining Electron Transfer In this reaction, NADH is being converted to N A D + . This means NADH is losing electrons (being oxidized). Pyruvate is being converted to Lactate. To do this, Pyruvate must gain electrons (be reduced). Therefore, Pyruvate is the oxidizing agent because it accepts electrons from NADH, allowing NADH to be oxidized.
Conclusion Therefore, the oxidizing agent in the reaction is pyruvate.
Examples
In a similar biological context, understanding oxidizing and reducing agents is crucial in cellular respiration. For example, during glycolysis, N A D + acts as an oxidizing agent, accepting electrons from glucose to form NADH. This process is essential for energy production within cells, as the NADH then carries these electrons to the electron transport chain to generate ATP, the cell's primary energy currency. Identifying oxidizing and reducing agents helps us understand how energy is transferred and utilized in biological systems.
