Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is needed as a reactant for the first step of the citric acid cycle?
A
Acetyl-CoA
B
ATP
C
FADH2
D
NADH
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
Identify the first step of the citric acid cycle: the combination of Acetyl-CoA with oxaloacetate to form citrate. This is a key step where Acetyl-CoA is a necessary reactant.
Recognize that Acetyl-CoA is produced from pyruvate in the mitochondria through a process called pyruvate decarboxylation, which is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
Understand that ATP, FADH2, and NADH are not direct reactants in the first step of the citric acid cycle. Instead, they are involved in other parts of cellular respiration, such as oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain.
Conclude that Acetyl-CoA is the correct reactant needed for the first step of the citric acid cycle, as it combines with oxaloacetate to initiate the cycle.