Krebs Cycle: Simplified Step-by-Step Explanation

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The Krebs Cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a crucial part of cellular respiration. It's a series of chemical reactions that extract energy from molecules, releasing carbon dioxide and producing high-energy electron carriers. — Is FreeShipping.com Legit? What You Need To Know

What is the Krebs Cycle?

The Krebs Cycle is a series of chemical reactions that extract energy from molecules, releasing carbon dioxide and producing high-energy electron carriers. It occurs in the mitochondria of cells and is a key part of aerobic respiration. — Best Buy Payment: Your Guide To Paying Your Bill

Krebs Cycle Step-by-Step

Here's a simplified breakdown:

  1. Acetyl-CoA Entry: Acetyl-CoA, derived from glucose, fatty acids, and proteins, enters the cycle.
  2. Citrate Formation: Acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate.
  3. Isomerization: Citrate is converted to its isomer, isocitrate.
  4. Oxidation & Decarboxylation (1): Isocitrate loses a carbon dioxide molecule and forms alpha-ketoglutarate, producing NADH.
  5. Oxidation & Decarboxylation (2): Alpha-ketoglutarate loses another carbon dioxide molecule and forms succinyl-CoA, producing NADH.
  6. Substrate-Level Phosphorylation: Succinyl-CoA is converted to succinate, producing GTP (which can be converted to ATP).
  7. Oxidation: Succinate is oxidized to fumarate, producing FADH2.
  8. Hydration: Fumarate is hydrated to form malate.
  9. Oxidation (Regeneration): Malate is oxidized to regenerate oxaloacetate, producing NADH.

Key Products of Krebs Cycle

  • NADH and FADH2: High-energy electron carriers that feed into the electron transport chain.
  • ATP (via GTP): A small amount of direct energy.
  • Carbon Dioxide: A waste product.

The Krebs Cycle plays a vital role in energy production within cells. Understanding each step can help appreciate its importance in sustaining life. For further reading, explore resources like Khan Academy's biology section to deepen your knowledge.