The transport of pyruvate into the mitochondria is via the transport protein pyruvate translocase. Pyruvate translocase transports pyruvate in a symport fashion with a proton, and hence is active, consuming energy. Upon entry to the mitochondria, the pyruvate is decarboxylated, producing acetyl-CoA.
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The transport of pyruvate into the mitochondria is via the transport protein pyruvate translocase. Pyruvate translocase transports pyruvate in a symport fashion with a proton, and hence is active, consuming energy. Upon entry to the mitochondria, the pyruvate is decarboxylated, producing acetyl-CoA.