The Link Reaction
Mitochondrion
- Outer Mitochondrial Membrane: separates the contents of the mitochondrion from the rest of the cytoplasm, creating a space for ideal respiratory conditions.
- Inner Mitochondrial Membrane: contains electron transport chains and ATP synthase.
- Cristae: surface area increasing folds in the inner membrane, the site of oxidative phosphorylation.
- Intermembrane Space: Tiny gap between inner and outer membranes where proteins are pumped into by the electron transport chain.
- Matrix: contains enzymes for link reaction and krebs cycle, and also mitochondrial DNA.
Linking Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle
- Link reaction takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.
- AcetylCoA delivers the Acetyl group to the krebs cycle, the next stage of aerobic respiration.
- Reduced NAD is used in oxidative phosphorylation, the final stage of respiration.
- Carbon dioxide produced diffuses away and ends up in the organism's metabolic waste.