Krebs Cycle Quiz

Krebs Cycle Overview

• The primary function of the Krebs cycle is to produce energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA, generating high-energy electron carriers and ATP.
• The cycle contributes to cellular respiration by breaking down organic molecules, ultimately aiding in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Initiating Compound

• Acetyl-CoA is the compound that enters the Krebs cycle, derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins through metabolic processes.

Products of the Krebs Cycle

• The Krebs cycle produces several significant compounds:
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) - a waste product expelled from the cell.
  • NADH and FADH2 - high-energy electron carriers that are crucial for the electron transport chain.
  • A small amount of ATP.

Cycle Throughput per Glucose

• For each molecule of glucose metabolized, two cycles of the Krebs cycle occur. This is because each glucose molecule is split into two pyruvate molecules, with each pyruvate resulting in one cycle.

Role of Electron Carriers

• The main purpose of the electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) produced during the Krebs cycle is to transport high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain, where their energy is harnessed to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.