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 eukaryotes, the reaction takes place only inside the mitochondrial matrix; in prokaryotes similar reactions take place in the cytoplasm and at the plasma membrane.Raven et al. 2008. Biology, 8th edition. McGraw Hill. 

To summarize:

 Pyruvate is decarboxylated: CO2 is removed.
 It is added to CoA to form 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 

 Other websites 
Notes on Pyruvate decarboxylation 

Category:Cellular respiration