100k views
0 votes
How many molecules of carbon dioxide are released during one turn of the citric acid cycle?

User Rptx
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer: 4

Step-by-step explanation:

Krebs cycle, also known as the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) or citric acid cycle, takes place inside the mitochondrial matrix. This cycle is a stepwise oxidative and cyclic degradation of acetyl CoA. The cycle acts on the 2 pyruvate molecules generated during glycolysis.

The end product of glycolysis is pyruvate. 1 molecule of glucose produces 2 molecules of pyruvate. So 1 molecule of pyruvate is responsible for the release of 2 CO2 molecules during 1 Krebs cycle. Since 1 glucose molecule gives 2 pyruvate molecules. There will be two cycles to utilize both the pyruvate molecules. Thus, 1 glucose molecule is responsible for the release of 4 CO2 molecules during Krebs cycle.

Hope this helps !

User Dawnie
by
7.6k points