Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) Overview

Study Notes

Overview

Also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle
A series of chemical reactions that occur within the mitochondria
Key process by which cells generate energy from the food they consume

Steps of the Krebs Cycle

Acetyl-CoA is converted into Citrate by the enzyme citrate synthase
Citrate is converted into Isocitrate by the enzyme aconitase
Isocitrate is converted into α-Ketoglutarate by the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase
α-Ketoglutarate is converted into NADH and CO2 by the enzyme α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
α-Ketoglutarate is converted into NADH and CO2 by the enzyme α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
α-Ketoglutarate is converted into Succinyl-CoA by the enzyme α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
Succinyl-CoA is converted into Succinate by the enzyme succinyl-CoA synthetase
Succinate is converted into Fumarate by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase
Fumarate is converted into Malate by the enzyme fumarase
Malate is converted into Oxaloacetate by the enzyme malate dehydrogenase

Outputs of the Krebs Cycle

ATP: 2 molecules produced per cycle
NADH: 6 molecules produced per cycle
FADH2: 2 molecules produced per cycle
CO2: 2 molecules produced per cycle

Importance of the Krebs Cycle

Generates energy for the cell through the production of ATP, NADH, and FADH2
Plays a key role in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Essential for the proper functioning of cells and the maintenance of life

Description

Comprende los pasos y productos del ciclo de Krebs, una serie de reacciones químicas que generan energía en las células. Aprende sobre la importancia de este proceso en el metabolismo y el mantenimiento de la vida.