Question

Describe the connecting link reaction between glycolysis and Kreb's cycle.

Answer 1

Glycolysis is the first step of cellular respiration and is common to both aerobic and anaerobic organisms because it occurs in the absence of oxygen. The product of glycolysis is pyruvate which is oxidised to acetyl-CoA and it is acetyl-CoA that enters mitochondria and takes part in Krebs cycle. There is the release of carbon dioxide and thus, the process is known as decarboxylation. There is the formation of acetate which binds with CoA to form acetyl-CoA. NAD molecule is reduced to form NADH. It takes place in the presence of enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. This reaction is known as the connecting link between glycolysis and Krebs cycle.