Q. 18.36 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What compounds are needed to start the citric acid cycle?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The compounds $\mathrm{Acetyl}-\mathrm{CoA}, {\mathrm{NAD}}^{+}, \mathrm{FAD}, \mathrm{GDP}, {\mathrm{P}}_{\mathrm{i}}, {\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ are needed to start the citric acid cycle

Step 1: Given information

We need to find the compounds needed to start the citric acid cycle 

Step 2: Explanation

We know that

The two-carbon organic product $\mathrm{acetyl}-\mathrm{CoA}$ is formed through the catabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, and it enters the citric acid cycle. The cycle's reactions also convert three equivalents of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ($\mathrm{NAD}$) to three equivalents of $\mathrm{NADH}$, one equivalent of flavin adenine dinucleotide ($\mathrm{FAD}$) to one equivalent of ${\mathrm{FADH}}_2$, and one equivalent each of guanosine diphosphate ($\mathrm{GDP}$) and inorganic phosphate to one equivalent of guanosine triphosphate ($\mathrm{GTP}$).