7 - AEROBIC RESPIRATION (STAGE 2) Flashcards
1
Q
What is the second stage of aerobic respiration?
A
The link reaction
2
Q
Where does it occur?
A
In the mitochondrial matrix
3
Q
What happens in this stage?
A
pyruvate is bound to coenzyme A producing acetyl coenzyme A with the release of NADH.
4
Q
Step 1
A
1) Pyruvate is decarboxylated (carbon is removed)
5
Q
STEP 2
A
NAD is reduced - it collects hydrogen from pyruvate, changing pyruvate into acetate
6
Q
STEP 3
A
Acetate is combined with coenzyme A (CoA) to form acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl coA)
7
Q
How many times does the link reaction occur per every glucose molecule and why?
A
It occurs twice because 2 pyruvate molecules are produced per glucose molecule and therefore the link reaction happens twice
