Question

Why is TCA cycle called amphibolic cycle?

Answer 1

TCA Cycle:

1. TCA Cycle or the Krebs Cycle the second stage of cellular respiration by which living cells break down organic fuel in the presence of oxygen to produce the energy for their growth.
2. It takes place inside the mitochondria of the cell in all organisms except in bacteria
3. It is called an amphibolic (double way) cycle because energy is both consumed and produced during this process.
4. During the catabolic (energy production) part of the cycle acetyl CoA is converted to produce carbon dioxide, and energy, which is later used to produce FADH and NADH.
5. During the anabolic (energy consuming) part of the cycle several intermediates of this pathway are converted to Succinyl CoA to Succinic acid using ATP.
6. So, TCA cycle is called an amphibolic cycle because energy is both consumed and produced during the process.