The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex converts pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A, abbreviated acetyl CoA, which can then enter metabolic pathways such as the citric acid cycle. Identify the citric acid cycle enzyme that is mechanistically and structurally similar to the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Which enzyme or enzyme complex is similar to the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex?

The enzyme that is similar to the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase

Explanation:

Both enzymes have similarities, both structurally and functionally. Both enzymes are characterized by playing a primary role in the Krebs cycle. A characteristic of both enzymes is their ability to decarboxylate. The enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase performs the decarboxylation process of pyruvate, while the enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase performs the process of oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acid compounds.