18.2 linking glycolysis and the kreb cycle

outer mitochondrial membrane

separates the contents of the mitochondrion from the rest of the cell, creating a cellular compartment with ideal conditions for aerobic respiration

matrix

contains enzymes for the krebs cycle and the link reaction. also contains mitochondrial DNA

inner mitochondrial membrane

contains electron transport chains and ATP synthase

cristae

projections on the inner membrane which increase the surface area available for oxidative phosphorylation

intermembrane space

proteins are pumped into this space by the electron transport chain. The space is small so the concentration builds up quickly

what happens during the link reaction

• pruvate enters the mitochondrial matrix by active transport via specific carrier proteins

• pyruvate then undergoes oxidative decarboxylation - carbon dioxide is removed along with hydrogen. The hydrogen atoms are accepted by NAD to form NADH

• the resulting two-carbon acetyl group is bound by co-enzyme A forming acetylecoenzymeA

• Acetyl CoA delivers the acetyle group to the Kreb cycle