In the presence of oxygen, the three-carbon compound pyruvate can be catabolized in the citric acid cycle. First, however, the pyruvate (1) loses a carbon, which is given off as a molecule of CO₂, (2) is oxidized to form a two-carbon compound called acetate, and (3) is bonded to coenzyme A. -These three steps result in the formation of
A) acetyl CoA, O₂, and ATP. B) acetyl CoA, FADH₂, and CO₂. C) acetyl CoA, FAD, H₂, and CO₂. D) acetyl CoA, NADH, H⁺, and CO₂. E) acetyl CoA, NAD⁺, ATP, and CO₂.