<P> The inner membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that contains the complexes of oxidative phosphorylation . which contains the electron transport chain that is found on the cristae of the inner membrane and consists of four protein complexes and ATP synthase . These complexes are Protein complex I (NADH: Coenzyme Q Oxidoreductase), protein complex II (Succinate: Coenzyme Q Oxidoreductase), protein complex III (Coenzyme Q: Cytochrome C Oxidoreductase), and protein complex IV (Cytochrome C Oxidase). </P> <P> The electron transport chain is responsible for establishing a pH and electrochemical gradient that facilitates the production of ATP through the pumping of protons . The gradient also provides control of the concentration of ions such as Ca driven by the mitochondrial membrane potential . The membrane only allows nonpolar molecules such as CO and O and small non charged polar molecules such as H O to enter the matrix . Molecules enter and exit the mitochondrial matrix through transport proteins and ion transporters . Molecules are then able to leave the mitochondria through porin . These attributed characteristics allow for control over concentrations of ions and metabolites necessary for regulation and determines the rate of ATP production . </P> <P> Following glycolysis, the citric acid cycle is activated by the production of acetyl - CoA . The oxidation of pyruvate by Pyruvate dehydrogenase in the matrix produces CO, acetyl - CoA, and NADH . Beta oxidation of fatty acids serves as an alternate catabolic pathway that produces acetyl - CoA, NADH, and FADH . The production of acetyl - CoA begins the citric acid cycle while the co-enzymes produced are used in the electron transport chain . </P> <P> All of the enzymes for the citric acid cycle are in the matrix (e.g. citrate synthase, iso - citrate dehydrogenas e, alpha - ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, fumarase, and malate dehydrogenase) except for succinate dehydrogenase which is on the inner membrane and is part of protein complex II in the electron transport chain . The cycle produces coenzymes NADH and FADH through the oxidation of carbons in two cycles . The oxidation of NADH and FADH produces GTP from succinyl - CoA synthetase . </P>

Is pyruvate converted to acetyl coa in the mitochondrial matrix