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Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the major energy-related accomplishment of the citric acid cycle, even though it is not the only energy-related accomplishment?
A
Formation of CO2
B
Formation of ATP
C
Utilization of O2
D
Completion of substrate-level phosphorylation
E
Formation of NADH and FADH2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the role of the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) in cellular respiration. It is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
Recognize that the citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondria and is a crucial part of the metabolic pathway that provides high-energy electron carriers for the electron transport chain.
Identify the main products of the citric acid cycle. While ATP is produced, the cycle's major energy-related accomplishment is the generation of reduced electron carriers: NADH and FADH2.
Understand that NADH and FADH2 are essential because they carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain, where their energy is used to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Conclude that the formation of NADH and FADH2 is the major energy-related accomplishment of the citric acid cycle, as these molecules are pivotal in driving the production of ATP in the subsequent stages of cellular respiration.