What is the role of NAD in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?

Pyruvate is a three carbon molecule produced by the
splitting of glucose in the cytoplasm of a cell. Under aerobic conditions, the pyruvate
enters the mitochondria, where is it modified by a three-part enzyme complex known as
pyruvate dehydrogenase. The pyruvate is converted into the two carbon molecule called
acetyl Co-A by removal of one carbon, which is joined to an oxygen molecule to form a
molecule of carbon dioxide. The NAD+ receives a electron which is freed during this step
of the reaction, becoming NADH. (NAD+ has an H+ ion bound to it, which is where the
electron attaches, hence the name change from NAD to NADH - the H was there the whole
time.) The NADH then shuttles the electrons to the electron transport chain, where their
energy is harvested by the cell; the electrons eventually are used to reduce O2 to
create water. When the NADH gives the electron to the transport chain, it becomes NAD+
once again, and is reused; it may help you to think of NAD's role as that of a simple
transport vehicle.