citric acid cycle
Cellular energy pathway
The citric acid cycle is the central metabolic pathway by which cells extract energy from nutrients.
Also called the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, it occurs in mitochondria, breaking down acetyl groups derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to produce molecules that drive cellular energy production.
The citric acid cycle generates most of the ATP that powers cellular functions.
Activated two-carbon metabolic intermediate
- alpha-ketoglutarateTricarboxylic acid cycle metabolite
- succinyl-CoAThioester in cellular respiration
- malateMalic acid salt
- NADHElectron-carrying coenzyme
decarboxylation · oxidation · reduction · coenzymes · FAD · carbon dioxide · hydration · condensation
Ordered numerical arrangement
- inner membraneInnermost surrounding tissue layer
- cristaeMitochondrial membrane infoldings
- aerobic respirationOxygen-using energy production
- cellular respirationCell-level fuel burning
Cell's energy molecule
- GTPGuanine nucleotide triphosphate
- cellular energyPower for cell functions
- bioenergeticsStudy of biological energy
Glucose metabolism producing ATP
- acetyl groupCH3CO functional unit
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- anabolismMetabolic construction of molecules
- catabolismMetabolic molecular dismantling
Accelerating reactions without consumption
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
- activationSetting into operation
- cofactorsEnzyme-assisting molecules
acetyl-CoA
Activated two-carbon metabolic intermediate
- alpha-ketoglutarateTricarboxylic acid cycle metabolite
- succinyl-CoAThioester in cellular respiration
- malateMalic acid salt
NADH · decarboxylation · oxidation · reduction · coenzymes · FAD · carbon dioxide · hydration · condensation · substrate
matrix
Ordered numerical arrangement
- inner membraneInnermost surrounding tissue layer
- cristaeMitochondrial membrane infoldings
- aerobic respirationOxygen-using energy production
cellular respiration · oxygen · eukaryotes · organelle · compartmentalization
ATP
Cell's energy molecule
- GTPGuanine nucleotide triphosphate
- cellular energyPower for cell functions
- bioenergeticsStudy of biological energy
glycolysis
Glucose metabolism producing ATP
- acetyl groupCH3CO functional unit
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- anabolismMetabolic construction of molecules
catalysis
Accelerating reactions without consumption
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
- activationSetting into operation
citric acid cycleanabolism
Metabolic construction of molecules
biosynthesis · fatty acid synthesis · protein synthesis · lipogenesis
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