The Link Reaction: Formation of Acetyl Coenzyme A

Formation of Acetyl CoA

The formation of Acetyl CoA is the second step of cellular respiration This is called the link reaction (linking glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle) The reactions now move from the cytoplasm to the mitchondria In prokaryotes, this process occurs in the cytoplasm across the plasma membrane

Where is the Matrix?

mitochondria

Formation of Acetyl CoA

Oxidative Carboxylation
The 2 pyruvate molecules that were made in glycolysis enter the matrix of the mitochondria Oxidative Carboxylation occurs: a carboxyl group is removed as CO2 and it diffuses out of the cell In IB, this is referred to as decarboxylation

Formation of Acetyl CoA

Formation of Acetyl CoA

CoEnzyme A: organic, nonprotein, cofactor that is needed for some enzymes to function

Formation of Acetyl CoA

A carboxyl group is removed to make the CO2 molecule

Oxidation
The remaining 2-C molecule from pyruvate is oxidized and NAD+ accepts the electrons that are removed

Formation of Acetyl CoA

Formation of Acetyl CoA

Recap!
4 NADH have been formed- 2 in glycolysis and 2 during the formation of acetyl CoA 2 ATP yielded during glycolysis