The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and chemical energy in the form of ATP. It is a central metabolic pathway that also provides precursors for various biosynthetic processes, including amino acids and nucleotide synthesis.

Citric Acid Cycle

citric acid cycle

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and chemical energy in the form of ATP. This cycle is a crucial part of cellular respiration, providing high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain and playing a pivotal role in the metabolic pathway for energy production.

Krebs cycle

TCA cycle

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of substances through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the conversion of reactants into products. These reactions are governed by the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, which dictate the feasibility and rate of these transformations.

chemical reactions

aerobic organisms

Energy generation is the process of converting various forms of energy, such as mechanical, chemical, or solar, into electrical energy for use in homes, industries, and infrastructure. It is critical for modern society, influencing economic development, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement.

Energy Generation

oxidation of acetyl-CoA

Carbohydrates are organic compounds found in foods and living tissues, primarily serving as a major energy source for the body. They are classified into simple and complex forms, with their digestion and metabolism playing a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels and overall health.

carbohydrates

fats

Proteins are complex macromolecules essential for various biological functions, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, and transporting molecules. They are composed of amino acids linked in a specific sequence, which determines their structure and function.

proteins

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is naturally present in Earth's atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the planet's carbon cycle. It is a significant greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change when present in elevated concentrations due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

carbon dioxide

Chemical energy is a form of potential energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction. It plays a crucial role in biological processes, industrial applications, and energy generation, influencing both natural and engineered systems.

chemical energy

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the primary energy carrier in all living organisms, acting as a molecular currency that drives various biological processes. It stores energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds, which is released upon hydrolysis to power cellular activities.

A metabolic pathway is a series of interconnected biochemical reactions that convert a substrate molecule through a series of metabolic intermediates, ultimately yielding a final product. These pathways are crucial for maintaining cellular function, energy production, and homeostasis within an organism.

metabolic pathway

biosynthetic processes

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks for proteins, which are crucial for various biological processes in living organisms. They play a vital role in functions such as enzyme catalysis, cell signaling, and the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters.

amino acids

Nucleotide synthesis is a fundamental biological process that involves the creation of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA, through de novo pathways and salvage pathways. This process is crucial for cell replication, repair, and genetic inheritance, and is tightly regulated to ensure cellular homeostasis and prevent diseases like cancer.

Your Courses

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons