The link between Glycolysis and Krebs cycle isa)Citric acidb)Malic aci...
During respiration, the pyruvic acid is converted into acetyl CoA by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. This enzyme carries oxidative decarboxylation of one molecule of pyruvic acid to one molecule of acetyl CoA releasing one molecule of carbon dioxide and also producing one molecule of reduced NADH in the process. The acetyl CoA, later on, enters the Krebs cycle. The glycolysis occurs in cytoplasm producing pyruvic acid, whereas Krebs cycle occurs in mitochondria and requires acetyl CoA. Thus acetyl CoA produced with the help of pyruvate dehydrogenase acts as a link between glycolysis and Krebs cycle.
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The link between Glycolysis and Krebs cycle isa)Citric acidb)Malic aci...
The end product of glycolysis is a three-carbon molecule pyruvic acid. Pyruvic acid is first converted to acetyl coenzyme A by a link reaction. This acetyl coenzyme A is a two-carbon molecule. This reaction results in the decarboxylation of the pyruvic acid. The acetyl coenzyme A thus formed enters the Krebs cycle and along with oxaloacetic acid forms a 6 C molecule citric acid. So, the correct option is D.
The link between Glycolysis and Krebs cycle isa)Citric acidb)Malic aci...
Introduction
The link between Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle (also known as the Citric Acid Cycle or TCA Cycle) is a critical step in cellular respiration. Understanding this connection is essential for grasping how energy metabolism functions in living organisms.
Role of Glycolysis
- Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, where one glucose molecule is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.
- This process yields a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH molecules, which are vital energy carriers.
Transition to the Krebs Cycle
- Pyruvate produced in glycolysis cannot directly enter the Krebs cycle.
- Before entering the Krebs cycle, pyruvate undergoes a transformation to form Acetyl-CoA.
Formation of Acetyl-CoA
- Each pyruvate molecule loses one carbon atom in the form of carbon dioxide (decarboxylation).
- The remaining two-carbon fragment combines with coenzyme A to form Acetyl-CoA.
- This process is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Connection to the Krebs Cycle
- Acetyl-CoA is the key substrate that enters the Krebs cycle.
- In the Krebs cycle, Acetyl-CoA is further oxidized, producing NADH, FADH2, and ATP, which are essential for the electron transport chain and energy production.
Conclusion
- The transformation from pyruvate to Acetyl-CoA is crucial as it links glycolysis to the Krebs cycle.
- Thus, the correct answer to the question regarding the link between Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle is indeed option 'D'—Acetyl co-enzyme. This connection is fundamental for efficient energy extraction from glucose.
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