β- vs. α-keto acids & their decarboxylations: When things do and don't need to get *complex*

It's energetically-favorable to decarboxylate a β-keto acid (a carboxylic acid next to a carbon next to a ketone) - thanks to enol-keto tautomerization. You can't use that trick with α-keto acids, so you have to use a giant complex that uses CoA, typified by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
More: Fundamentals of Biochemistry by Jakubowski and Flatt 16.1: Production of Acetyl-CoA (Activated Acetate) bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelve...)
Molecular Memory: Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Mechanism: The Chemistry of TPP • Pyruvate Dehydrogenase...
More on the context & chemical logic of the TCA: • TCA cycle (citric acid...
Walk/talk-through the chemistry of the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle (aka citric acid, Krebs cycle), focusing on the chemical logic. Don't memorize - learn! A review of an in-class activity we did…
Blog: bit.ly/metabolismglycolysis UA-cam: • Walk/talk-through the ...
For more details: • TCA cycle (citric acid...
  
more about all sorts of things: #365DaysOfScience All (with topics listed) 👉 bit.ly/2OllAB0 or search blog: thebumblingbiochemist.com

[@yochidamai31]

Dear Prof. Bibel. I'm grateful to have you as my online mentor. Your website and videos are all inspiring and easy to understand. But, pardon me to say this. I notice that your voice is changing from the last 2 years. And your eyes also looks quite tired. I hope that you prioritize your health. May you live long and educate more young scientitsts around the world.
Warm hug from Japan.

[@thebumblingbiochemist]

Thank you for caring. And hope my voice isn't annoying you. Best wishes

[@yochidamai31]

@@thebumblingbiochemist no, it's not annoying at all. I'm only worrying your health. Have a good rest, Prof.