Krebs cycle

Krebs cycle (also known as the Citric Acid Cycle or the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle) is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and carbon dioxide.

Overview

The Krebs cycle is the second stage of aerobic respiration, the first being glycolysis and the last being the electron transport chain. The cycle is a key part of the metabolic pathway by which all aerobic organisms generate energy. Within the mitochondria, each molecule of glucose that is metabolized by a cell ultimately produces two molecules of ATP, three molecules of carbon dioxide, and two molecules of water.

Steps of the Krebs Cycle

The Krebs cycle involves eight major steps:

1. Formation of Citrate: The cycle begins with the reaction between acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate to form citrate.
2. Isomerization of Citrate: Citrate is then rearranged to form an isomeric form called isocitrate.
3. Oxidation of Isocitrate: Isocitrate is oxidized to form a five-carbon compound, α-ketoglutarate.
4. Oxidation of α-Ketoglutarate: α-Ketoglutarate is further oxidized to form succinyl-CoA.
5. Conversion of Succinyl-CoA to Succinate: Succinyl-CoA is converted into succinate.
6. Oxidation of Succinate: Succinate is oxidized to fumarate.
7. Hydration of Fumarate: Water is added to fumarate to form malate.
8. Oxidation of Malate: Malate is oxidized to regenerate oxaloacetate.

Significance

The Krebs cycle plays a crucial role in the cellular metabolic pathway. By converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and water, the cycle provides the energy that drives many processes in living cells. It is thus a key component of the metabolic system, which maintains the cell's chemical balance while making available the energy stored in nutrients.

See Also

• Glycolysis
• Electron Transport Chain
• Cellular Respiration
• Metabolism

References

Krebs cycle Resources
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