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The link reaction

Converts pyruvate (from glycolysis) to acetate. NAD is reduced.
1. Decarboxylation and dehydrogenation are enzyme catalysed reactions (pyruvate is substrate)
  1. Pyruvate dehydrogenase removes H atoms; pyruvate decarboxylase removes a carboxyl group
  2. Coenzyme NAD accepts the H atoms; coenzyme A (CoA) accepts the acetate > acetyl CoA
Takes place in the matrix, so pyruvate has to be transported into mitochondria from the cytoplasm
2 pyruvate + 2 NAD+ (oxidised) + 2 CoA ------> 2 CO2 + 2 reduced NAD + 2 acetyl CoA
1. No ATP produced, but each NADH carrying 2 H atoms - will take to inner mitochondrial membrane where H atoms used to produce ATP during oxidative phosphorylation
2. 2 molecules of everything because two molecules of pyruvate derived from each glucose molecule
Pyruvate is 3C, acetate is 2C, acetyl CoA is 2C

The link reaction

	Created by lucy.wright73 almost 11 years ago