Citric Acid Cycle
Definition
The Citric Acid Cycle, also known as the Krebs Cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in the body that helps convert food into energy.
Scientific / Technical Definition
The Citric Acid Cycle, or Krebs Cycle, is a key metabolic pathway that combines acetyl-CoA with oxaloacetate to form citrate and then processes this molecule through a series of enzymatic transformations. This cycle is central to cellular respiration, which generates energy by oxidizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and transferring electrons to produce ATP.
Benefits
- Essential for energy production
- Plays a role in metabolic integration
- Supports the synthesis of important biomolecules
Examples
- Occurs in the mitochondria of cells where nutrients like glucose are broken down
Additional Information
- Importance: The Citric Acid Cycle is important for energy production in aerobic organisms and acts as a key intersection point for various catabolic and anabolic pathways.
References
Last updated: 10/19/2024