Krebs cycle

Definition

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide. In addition to ATP production, it provides precursors for many compounds including certain amino acids.

Related terms

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):

The primary energy carrier in all living organisms on which cellular processes depend.

Electron Transport Chain:

A sequence of electron carriers that shuttle electrons down a series of redox reactions that release energy used to produce ATP.

Acetyl:

CoA - A molecule that conveys the carbon atoms within the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) to be oxidized for energy production