During the first step of the Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle, citric acid (also called citrate) is formed. This occurs when acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate, thanks to the enzyme citrate synthase. It is important to note that ATP, water, ADP, and oxygen are not directly formed during this step of the cycle. However, oxygen is a crucial component for the complete oxidation of glucose in the mitochondria, where the TCA cycle occurs.
During the first step of the TCA cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle), citric acid is formed. This reaction occurs when acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, which is also known as citric acid. The reaction also releases coenzyme A (CoA) and initiates a series of reactions that generate ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which are key energy-carrying molecules used by the cell.
