Noun
in all plants and animals: a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy
Source: WordNetDe-aminated alanine, cysteine, glycine, serine, and threonine are converted to pyruvate and can consequently either enter the citric acid cycle as oxaloacetate (an anaplerotic reaction) or as acetyl-CoA to be disposed of as CO 2 and water. Source: Internet
Because the citric acid cycle is involved in both catabolic and anabolic processes, it is known as an amphibole pathway. Source: Internet
Below is a schematic outline of the cycle: * The citric acid cycle begins with the transfer of a two-carbon acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the four-carbon acceptor compound (oxaloacetate) to form a six-carbon compound (citrate). Source: Internet
Citrate – the molecule that gives its name to the cycle – is a feedback inhibitor of citrate synthase and also inhibits PFK, providing a direct link between the regulation of the citric acid cycle and glycolysis. Source: Internet
Loss of the acetyl-CoA-donated carbons as CO 2 requires several turns of the citric acid cycle. Source: Internet
Hence the citric acid cycle can start at acetyl-CoA when fat is being broken down for energy if there is little or no glucose available. Source: Internet