Author(s):
The Citric Acid Cycle (CAC), also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, is a central metabolic pathway in cellular respiration, crucial for energy production. Occurring in the mitochondria, the cycle oxidizes acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to produce energy-rich molecules such as ATP, NADH, and FADH2. These molecules are then used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP, the cell’s primary energy currency. The CAC also plays a vital role in biosynthesis, providing intermediates for amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides. The cycle consists of a series of enzymatic reactions, each contributing to the efficient transformation of organic substrates into usable energy. Despite its foundational role in metabolism, disturbances in CAC function can lead to metabolic disorders, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis. This review aims to provide an overview of the Citric Acid Cycle’s biochemical steps, its integration into metabolic networks, and its relevance to human health.
