link reaction Flashcards
where in a cell does the link reaction take place?
inner matrix of mitochondria
Is the pyruvate molecule likely to move across the mitochondrial membranes by diffusion?
No, pyruvate would be polar and would not move through the nonpolar lipid bilayer very easily.
During the link reaction, what happens to the pyruvic acid molecule?
it is decarboxylated and CO2 is produced
Coenzyme A carried the remainder of the pyruvate molecule to the site of the Krebs cycle. What is that name of decarboxylated pyruvic acid?
Acetyl (or Acetate)
How many carbons of the pyruvate molecule remain when is it attached to Coenzyme A?
2
When coenzyme A bonds to the decarboxylated pyruvic acid what molecule is produced?a
acetyl co A
Has any ATP been used or produced during the link reaction?
No
Have any other high potential energy molecules been produced during the link reaction?
Yes, one NADH molecule was produced.
How many acetyl-CoA, carbon dioxide, and NADH molecules are produced in the link reaction for each glucose molecule that undergoes cellular respiration?
Each glucose molecule makes two pyruvate molecules, so the link reaction happens twice for each glucose molecule. Therefore, two acetyl-CoA molecules, two carbon dioxide molecules, and two NADH molecules are produced.
