Link Reaction

• The Link reaction takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.
• 1. Pyruvate is decarboxylated - one carbon atom is removed from pyruvate in the form of CO2
  2. NAD is reduced to NADH - Removed hydrogen from pyruvate to make it acetate which combines with coenzymes A. (Acetyl CoA)
  3. No ATP is produced in this reaction
• The link reaction occurs twice for every glucose molecule.
• Two pyruvate molecules are made for every glucose molecules that enters glycolysis. This means that the link reaction and the Krebs cycle happen twice for every glucose molecule.
• For each Glucose molecule:

  • Two molecules of Acetyl CoA go into the Krebs cycle.
  • Two Co2 molecules are released as a waste product of respiration.
  • Two molecules of NADH are formed and go to oxidative phosphorylation.