Link Reaction Flashcards
When does this occur?
Only if respiration is aerobic after glycolysis
Where does this reaction occur?
In the matrix of mitochondria
Where does the Pyruvate at the beginning of the reaction come from?
From glycolysis, because oxygen is present the pyruvate is not reduced to ethanol/lactate
How does pyruvate enter mitochondrial matrix?
By active transport from the cytoplasm of the cell
What happens to pyruvate?
It is oxidised to acetate by releasing hydrogen, which is gained by NAD
NAD is reduced to NADH as a result
How many carbons is in pyruvate?
3
How many carbons is in acetate?
2
What happens to the carbon that is missing from oxidation of pyruvate to acetate?
It is released in the form of 1 carbon dioxide molecule
What happens to acetate?
Combines with coenzyme A to form acetylco-enzyme A
Link reaction summary
Pyruvate + NAD ——> Acetate + NADH + CO2
Acetate + Co-enzyme A ——> AcetylCo-enzyme A
