What is Link reaction?
The '''Link reaction''', also known as '''pyruvate decarboxylation''' forms an important '''link''' between the metabolic pathways of [[glycolysis]] and the citric acid or [[Krebs cycle]]. In [[eukaryote]]s, the reaction takes place only inside the [[mitochondria]]l matrix; in [[prokaryote]]s similar reactions take place in the cytoplasm and at the [[plasma membrane]].<ref>Raven et al. 2008. ''Biology'', 8th edition. McGraw Hill. {{ISBN|978-0-07-110202-5}}</ref> To summarize: # [[Pyruvate]] is decarboxylated: CO<sub>2</sub> is removed. # It is added to [[Coenzyme A|CoA]] to form [[Acetyl-CoA|Acetyl CoA]] Acetyl CoA is then ready for use in the [[Krebs Cycle]]. The Link reaction is important as acetyl-CoA is needed for the [[Krebs cycle]] to happen. == Related pages == *[[Respiration]] *[[Cellular respiration]] (overview) *[[Glycolysis]] *[[Krebs cycle]] (Citric acid cycle) == References == {{Reflist}} == Other websites == *[http://www.rahulgladwin.com/blog/2007/01/notes-on-pyruvate-metabolism.html Notes on Pyruvate decarboxylation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618072346/http://www.rahulgladwin.com/blog/2007/01/notes-on-pyruvate-metabolism.html |date=2008-06-18 }} [[Category:Cellular respiration]]