From glycolysis to the mitochondrion
When oxygen is available, the pyruvate formed during glycolysis moves from the cytoplasm into a mitochondrion so that aerobic respiration can continue.
Pyruvate crosses the mitochondrial membranes and enters the mitochondrial matrix by active transport.
- The movement is against a concentration gradient.
- ATP is required for the transport process.
- A membrane transport protein is involved.
Once pyruvate reaches the matrix, it can undergo the link reaction.