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Citric Acid Cycle definitions

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  • Citric Acid Cycle
    A series of reactions following glycolysis that generates CO2, NADH, GTP, and FADH2 from Acetyl CoA under aerobic conditions.
  • Krebs Cycle
    Another name for the pathway that oxidizes Acetyl CoA, producing energy carriers and CO2 in a circular sequence of reactions.
  • TCA Cycle
    A synonym for the process that transforms Acetyl CoA into energy-rich molecules and CO2, essential for cellular respiration.
  • Acetyl CoA
    A two-carbon molecule derived from pyruvate, serving as the entry substrate for the citric acid cycle.
  • Pyruvate
    A three-carbon product of glycolysis that is converted into Acetyl CoA before entering the citric acid cycle.
  • Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
    A group of proteins responsible for transforming pyruvate into Acetyl CoA, linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.
  • NADH
    An electron carrier generated during the cycle's oxidation steps, later used in the electron transport chain for ATP production.
  • FADH2
    A reduced electron carrier formed during the cycle, contributing electrons to the electron transport chain.
  • GTP
    A high-energy nucleotide produced in the cycle, which can be readily converted to ATP for cellular energy.
  • CO2
    A gaseous byproduct released during decarboxylation and oxidation steps within the citric acid cycle.
  • Citrate
    The first six-carbon intermediate formed when Acetyl CoA combines with oxaloacetate at the start of the cycle.
  • Isomerization
    A rearrangement process within the cycle where atoms in a molecule shift positions, altering its structure but not its formula.
  • Oxidation
    A recurring reaction type in the cycle where electrons are removed from substrates, producing NADH or FADH2.
  • Aerobic Conditions
    An environment where oxygen is present, indirectly required for the cycle by regenerating NAD+ for continued operation.
  • Enzyme
    A protein catalyst that accelerates each transformation step in the cycle, ensuring efficient energy extraction.