As the name suggests, the Link reaction links glycolysis to the Krebbs cycle
The link reaction happens twice for every glucose molecule
It occurs in the mitochondrial matrix
First pyruvate (3C) is decarboxylated. This means that it has a carbon atom removed in the form of carbon dioxide (1C)
Pyruvate is then oxidised to form acetate (2C) and NAD is reduced to form reduced NAD using the hydrogen from that.
Acetate then combines with coenzyme a to form acetyl coenzyme A (2C)
Now you have reduced NAD and acetyl CoA
Because two pyruvate molecules are made for every glucose in glycolysis, this means the link reaction
Happens twice for every glucose. This means two molecules of acetyl CoA go to the
Krebbs cycle, two molecules of CO2 go to waste and two molecules of reduced NAD go over
To be used for oxidative phosphorylation
NO ATP MADE!!!
MAKES REDUCED NAD AND ACETYL COA
