Q29-9P - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

PROBLEM 29-9 Which carbon atoms in glucose end up as $\mathbf{-}{\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{3}}$ carbons in acetyl CoA? Whichcarbons end up as ${\mathbf{CO}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ ?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1. Glucose's carbon atoms C-1 and C-6 become ${CH}_3$ groups.
2. ${CO}_2$ is formed from the C-3 and C-4 atoms.

Introduction to the Concept

Glycolysis, also known as the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, is a series of ten chemical events that occur in most cells to break down glucose and release energy, which is subsequently caught and stored in ATP.

Solution Explanation

The overall result of glycolysis can be summarised by the following equation, which shows a molecule of Î-glucose: [The carbon atoms have been counted.]

The carbon atoms numbered 1 and 6 and coloured green end up as the ${CH}_3$ of pyruvate, as shown in the diagram. Violet's carbon atoms C-3 and C-4 decompose into ${CO}_2$.

In the reaction, the carbon atoms of glucose are converted into particular functions by a methyl ${CH}_3$ and a ${CO}_2$ (carbondioxide) in pyruvate.