The Link Reaction

• In matrix of mitochondrion (pyruvate must first be transported for this stage to take place), it’s second stage linking glycolysis to Krebs cycle; net products from glycolysis: 2x net ATP, 2x reduced NAD (NADH), and 2x Pyruvate
• Coenzyme A is not linked to oxidation-reduction reactions; it transfers ethanoate (acetate) groups from pyruvate, fatty acids and some amino acids into Krebs Cycle in aerobic respiration
• Link Reaction

  A) pyruvate

  B) CO_2

  C) reduced NAD

  D) acetyl group

  E) coenzyme A

  F) Acetylcoenzyme A

  G) coenzyme A

  H) oxidative carboxylation

  I) CO_2

  J) H^+

  K) pyruvate

  L) acetate

  M) H^+

  N) NAD

  O) reduced

  P) NAD

  Q) acetate

  R) coenzyme A

  S) Acetylcoenzyme A

  T) Krebs cycle

  U) pyruvate

  V) CO_2

  W) waste

  X) reduced NAD

  Y) ETC

  Z) acetyl CoA

  [) Krebs

  
• Three processes: Pyruvate combines with coenzyme A to form acetyl CoA, CO_2 formation (decarboxylation), and NADH formation (transfer of hydrogen to NAD); pyruvate is oxidized and decarboxylated
• Link Reaction takes place twice for each glucose molecule as it produces two pyruvate molecules; overall products from one glucose molecule are 2x acetyl co-enzyme A, 2x CO_2 and 2x NADH + H+