Citric acid cycle

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, is a central metabolic pathway that takes place in the mitochondria. It completes the oxidation of acetyl-CoA, derived from carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids, to produce ATP and high-energy electron carriers.

 

The cycle begins with the condensation of acetyl-CoA with oxaloacetate to form citrate. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, citrate is gradually metabolized, releasing carbon dioxide and producing NADH, FADH2, and ATP/GTP. The high-energy electron carriers generated during the cycle play a crucial role in oxidative phosphorylation, where they donate electrons to the electron transport chain to generate more ATP.

 

The citric acid cycle also provides intermediates for other metabolic pathways. It serves as a link between various metabolic processes, such as glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and amino acid metabolism. The cycle is tightly regulated to meet the energy demands of the cell and maintain metabolic homeostasis.

 

For better understanding, students must watch the following videos on youtube

 

https://youtu.be/0jNX3ZlMSa8

 

https://youtu.be/nCr3iCzX4lc

 

https://youtu.be/ajZajFrCjtA

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