Learn → Glossary → biochemistry
TCA Cycle
Eight-step mitochondrial matrix cycle that completely oxidizes acetyl-CoA to two CO2 while generating 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, and 1 GTP per cycle for ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation.
Also: Citric acid cycle, Krebs cycle, Tricarboxylic acid cycle
The TCA cycle is the integrative hub of carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid catabolism, since all converge on acetyl-CoA or cycle intermediates. Anaplerotic reactions (pyruvate carboxylase, glutaminase) replenish intermediates drained for biosynthesis. Cofactor demands tie the cycle to thiamine (PDH, α-KGDH), riboflavin (succinate dehydrogenase), niacin, and pantothenate.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 23: Thiamine
The TCA cycle is the integrative hub of carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid catabolism, since all converge on acetyl-CoA or cycle intermediates. Anaplerotic reactions (pyruvate carboxylase, glutaminase) replenish intermediates drained for biosynthesis. Cofactor demands tie the cycle to thiamine (PDH, α-KGDH), riboflavin (succinate dehydrogenase), niacin, and pantothenate.
Related terms
Acetyl-CoA, Pyruvate, β-Oxidation