Final answer:
The citric acid cycle does not result in the net synthesis of oxaloacetate; instead, it regenerates oxaloacetate, which allows the cycle to continue. correct answer is b) False.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the citric acid cycle results in the net synthesis of oxaloacetate is false. The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, begins with the combination of a four-carbon oxaloacetate molecule and a two-carbon acetyl CoA molecule to form a six-carbon citrate molecule.
As the cycle progresses, citrate is oxidized, and two molecules of carbon dioxide are released for each acetyl group that enters the cycle. At the end of the cycle, oxaloacetate is regenerated and is ready to combine with another acetyl CoA molecule, allowing the cycle to proceed again. Therefore, there is no net synthesis of oxaloacetate; it is simply regenerated to sustain the cycle. So, correct answer is b) False.