Link Reaction

Question 1

Where does the link reaction occur?

Answer 1

matrix of mitochondria

Question 2

First bit of the link reaction -

Answer 2

If O2 is available pyruvate passes into mitochondria to be fully oxidised into CO2 and water

Question 3

what happens to pyruvate in the link reaction?

Answer 3

Each pyruvate molecule is decarboxylated, producing waste product CO2, it is then dehydrogenated.

Question 4

What happens to the hydrogen removed from pyruvate in link reaction?

Answer 4

H+ taken up by coenzyme NAD. NAD is reduced.

Question 5

How is acetyl coenzyme A formed in link reaction?

Answer 5

The 2C molecule produced combines with coenzyme A to form acetyl coenzyme A. This carries the acetyl to the Krebs cycle.

Question 6

Summarise Link reaction -

Answer 6

For every molecule of glucose entering glycolysis, 2 molecules of pyruvate enter the link reaction. Therefore, the link reaction and 2 molecules of carbon dioxide.