During Cellular Respiration, Acetyl CoA Accumulates in Which Location

Question

During cellular respiration, acetyl CoA accumulates in which location?
A) cytosol
B) mitochondrial outer membrane
C) mitochondrial inner membrane
D) mitochondrial intermembrane space
E) mitochondrial matrix

Accepted Answer

Acetyl CoA accumulates in the mitochondrial matrix during cellular respiration. It is formed from pyruvate in the cytosol and must then enter into the mitochondria via active transport. Once inside the mitochondria, it combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, which enters the citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix.