Glycolysis

In glycolysis, molecules of the glucose in the cytoplasm are broken down into
molecules of pyruvic. A six-carbon sugar undergoes a series of chemical
transformations. At the end of the process, it gets converted into two molecule of
pyruvate.

Pyruvate Oxidation
Pyruvate is produced by glycolysis in the cytoplasm, but pyruvate oxidation
takes place in the cytoplasm the oxidation takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.
So, before the chemical reaction starts pyruvate must enter mitochondrion first,
crossing the inner membrane and arriving at the matrix.

Citric Acid Cycle

The acetyl CoA made in the last step combines with a four carbon molecule
and goes through a cycle of reactions.
There are 8 steps in this cycle

In the first step of citric acid cycle, acetyl CoA joins the four carbon molecule,
oxaloacetate, realizing the CoA group forming six carbon molecule called
citrate.
Second step, Citrate is converted into an isomer, isocitrate.
Third step, the isocitrate is oxidized and releases a molecule of carbon
dioxide, leaving behind a five carbon a-ketogluterate.
In this step a-ketogluterate is the one being oxidized, reducing NAD to NADH
and releasing carbon dioxide in the process. The remaining four carbon
molecule picks up coenzyme A, forming the unstasble compound succinyl
CoA.
In this step (Fifth), the CoA of succinyl CoA is replaced by phosphate group,
which is then transferred to ADP to make ATP. The four carbon in this step is
called succinate.
In step six, succinate is oxidized, forming another four carbon molecule
called fumarate. In this reaction two hydrogen atoms with their electrons
transferred to FAD, producing FADH2. The enzymes that carries out this syep
embedded n the inner membrane of the mitochondrion, so FADH2 can
transfer electrons directly into the electron transport chain.
In the seventh step, water is added to the four carbon molecule (formarate)
converting it into another four carbon molecule called malate.
In the last step of Citric Acid Cycle, the starting four carbon compound is
regenerated by oxidation of malate.

Oxidative Phosphorylation
The NADH and FADH2 made in other steps deposites their electron in the
electron transport chain, turning back into their empty forms. As the energy moves
down the chains, energy is released and used t pump protons out of the matrix,
forming a gradient. Protons flow back into the matrix through an enzyme called ATP
synthase, making ATP. At the end of the electron transport electron chain, oxygen
accepts electrons and takes up protons from the water.