Citric acid cycle

The citric acid cycle (also known as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the TCA cycle, or the Krebs cycle) is a series of chemical reactions of central importance in all living cells that utilize oxygen as part of cellular respiration. In these aerobic organisms, the citric acid cycle is a metabolic pathway that forms part of the break down of carbohydrates, fats and proteins into carbon dioxide and water in order to generate energy.

Related Topics:
Chemical reaction - Cell - Oxygen - Cellular respiration - Aerobic organism - Metabolic pathway - Carbohydrate - Fat - Protein - Carbon dioxide - Water

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It is the second of three metabolic pathways that are involved in fuel molecule catabolism and ATP production, the other two being glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation.

Related Topics:
Fuel molecule - Catabolism - ATP - Glycolysis - Oxidative phosphorylation

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The citric acid cycle also provides precursors for many compounds such as certain amino acids, and some of its reactions are therefore important even in cells performing fermentation.

Related Topics:
Amino acid - Fermentation

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