Question

What is the primary byproduct of the TCA cycle?

Answer 1

TCA cycle (Tricarboxylic acid cycle):

1. It is an eight-step cycle in which organic molecules such as glucose, fatty acid, and amino acids are broken down into two-carbon compounds Acetyl COA which undergoes chemical reactions to produce energy in the form of ATP, NADH, and FADH_2.
2. This is the common pathway for the complete oxidation of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids when converted to acetyl coenzyme A or other cycle intermediates.

Primary Product:

1. The primary byproducts of the TCA or Krebs cycle are reduced NADH and FADH_2.
2. This facilitates the formation of a large number of ATP molecules i.e. NADH produces 3ATPs and FADH₂ produces 2ATPs through the electron transport chain or oxidative phosphorylation.