Explain the steps of the Citric Acid Cycle (aka Krebs Cycle) and why this cycle is so important for cellular respiration.

Question

After pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, it enters a key metabolic cycle that takes place in the mitochondria. This cycle involves a series of enzyme-driven reactions that break down carbon molecules even further. Along the way, it produces molecules that don’t make a lot of ATP directly, but play a major role in powering the next stage of energy production. As you explore this cycle, consider: What happens to the carbon atoms from Acetyl-CoA? What high-energy molecules are made? And how do these products contribute to the cell’s ability to generate ATP later on?

Answer 1