Which of the following statements about the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate in aerobic conditions in animal cells is correct?
A) One of the products of the reactions of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is a thioester of acetate.
B) The methyl (—CH3) group is eliminated as CO2.
C) The process occurs in the cytosolic compartment of the cell.
D) The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex uses all of the following as cofactors: NAD+, lipoic acid, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), and FAD.
E) The reaction is so important to energy production that pyruvate dehydrogenase operates at full speed under all conditions.