Q. 18.86 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Most metabolic pathways are not cycles. Why is the citric acid cycle considered to be a metabolic cycle?$(18.5)$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The explanation for the reason that the citric acid cycle is considered to be a metabolic cycle is explained below.

Step 1: Given Information

We need to explain the reason for the citric acid cycle is considered to be a metabolic cycle.

Step 2: Explanation

Here,

A citric acid cycle is considered a metabolic cycle. In this process, two acetyl CoA are continuously oxidized to generate energy as $ATP, FADH2 and NADH$ the substrate is being recycled in the form of oxaloacetate. Oxaloacetate and acetyl CoA are combined together to form citric acid which is an essential compound in this metabolic pathway that generates energy for cellular functions.