Question

What is the primary role of TCA in ATP production?

Answer 1

Role of TCA in ATP production:

1. The acetyl-CoA produced by the decarboxylation of pyruvic acid enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
2. The acetyl CoA combines with the oxaloacetate (4 C compound) to form 6C compound citrate.
3. During this cycle, two molecules of CO2 are released and oxaloacetate is produced which is again utilized in the cycle.
4. FADH2 and NADH produced in the TCA cycle transfer their electrons to the electron transport chain, where further oxidation and reduction reactions result in the formation of ATP in the mitochondria.
5. The NADH released from the TCA cycle enters ETC and transports 3 pairs of H⁺ protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane to the intermembrane space, for oxidative phosphorylation.