Link Reaction

• Where does the link reaction take place?


  In the mitochondrial matrix.
• What happens to the pyruvate molecules after glycolysis?


  They are actively transported into the mitochondrial matrix by specific carrier proteins.
• What happens first in the link reaction?

  Each pyruvate molecule is decarboxylated, losing one molecule of carbon dioxide.
• What happens to the carbon dioxide lost from pyruvate?


  It diffuses out as a waste product.
• What happens after pyruvate is decarboxylated?

  It is oxidised by losing a hydrogen atom, forming a two carbon molecule called acetate.
• What happens to the hydrogen atoms lost by pyruvate?


  They are used to reduce NAD.
• What happens to acetate after it is formed?


  It binds to the coenzyme A to form acetyl coenzyme A.
• What are the reactants of the link reaction?


  Pyruvate, NAD, and coenzyme A.
• What are the products of the link reaction?


  Acetyl coenzyme A, reduced NAD, and carbon dioxide.