Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy

Intro to Citric Acid Cycle

GOB Chemistry

21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy

Intro to Citric Acid Cycle

Previous problemNext problem

1:30 minutes

Problem 51

Textbook Question

What is the purpose of the citric acid cycle?

Verified step by step guidance

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, is a central metabolic pathway in cellular respiration that occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

Its primary purpose is to oxidize acetyl-CoA, derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, into carbon dioxide (CO₂), while capturing high-energy electrons in the form of NADH and FADH₂.

The cycle begins when acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, which undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions to regenerate oxaloacetate, completing the cycle.

During these reactions, energy is harvested in the form of NADH and FADH₂, which are later used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP, the cell's main energy currency.

Additionally, the citric acid cycle provides intermediates for biosynthetic pathways, such as amino acid and nucleotide synthesis, making it a key hub in metabolism.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Citric Acid Cycle

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy. It occurs in the mitochondria and is a key component of cellular respiration, where acetyl-CoA is oxidized to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which are essential for energy production.

Energy Production

The primary purpose of the citric acid cycle is to produce energy in the form of ATP. This energy is crucial for various cellular processes. The cycle also generates electron carriers, NADH and FADH2, which feed into the electron transport chain, leading to further ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.

Metabolic Intermediates

The citric acid cycle produces several metabolic intermediates that are vital for various biosynthetic pathways. These intermediates can be used to synthesize amino acids, nucleotides, and other essential biomolecules, highlighting the cycle's role not only in energy production but also in cellular metabolism and growth.

Watch next

Master Intro to Citric Acid Cycle Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning