2. link reaction

• overview

  • in matrix of mitochondria
  • pyruvates move across double membrane of mitochondria and into matrix via active transport- requires transport protein and ATP
  • cycle happens twice
• first step


  (2x)pryruvate is oxidised

  • hydrogen is removed by enzymes to produce (2x)acetate
• second step

  pyruvate is decarboxylated

  • carbon is removed from pyruvate molecule to form C02
• third step


  reduction of NAD

  • NAD collects H+ ions removed from pyruvate
  • produces NADH+(reduced)
• fourth step

  acetate combines with coenzyme A

  • forming (2x) acetyl coenzyme A(2c)
• products

  • NO ATP PRODUCED IN LINK REACTION
  • 2 x acetyl CoA(2C)
  • 2 x C02
  • 2 x NADH+