Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

Definition

The Krebs Cycle, also known as the Citric Acid Cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in cells that produce energy and is part of cellular respiration.

Scientific / Technical Definition

The Krebs Cycle is a crucial metabolic pathway that unites carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It takes place in the mitochondria of cells and involves eight main enzymatic reactions. It oxidizes acetyl-CoA to carbon dioxide and, in the process, reduces NAD+ to NADH and FAD to FADH2, which then donate electrons to the electron transport chain to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.

Benefits

• Produces ATP, which provides energy for cellular functions
• Generates electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) for further energy production
• Plays a pivotal role in metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
• Helps in the biosynthesis of key biomolecules

Examples

• Occurs in the mitochondria of nearly all eukaryotic cells
• Critical for energy production in aerobic organisms

Additional Information

• Importance: The Krebs Cycle is indispensable for energy generation in aerobic organisms and is central to intermediate metabolism.

Related Terms

• Electron Transport Chain
• Glycolysis
• Acetyl-CoA
• ATP

References

• The Krebs cycle: A major driver of mitochondrial energy production
• Biochemistry, Krebs Cycle