A chronic alcoholic presents with thiamine deficiency (Vitamin B1). Which enzyme complex's failure prevents pyruvate from entering the Krebs cycle in this patient?
Q1. A chronic alcoholic presents with thiamine deficiency (Vitamin B1). Which enzyme complex's failure prevents pyruvate from entering the Krebs cycle in this patient?
Answer: Pyruvate dehydrogenase
Explanation: Pyruvate decarboxylation requires thiamine pyrophosphate to form Acetyl-CoA; without it, pyruvate cannot enter the Krebs cycle, leading to metabolic failure.