Question

Which statement most accurately describes the citric acid cycle?

a) It serves a catabolic role only, which is to generate ATP and reducing equivalents for cellular energy needs.

b) It plays a central role in key metabolic processes in the cell, with many metabolic intermediates leaving and entering.

c) It is an unregulated process, like an intersection without signal lights.

d) It is the main center of ATP production during anaerobic metabolism.

Answer 1

Option b: It plays a central role in key metabolic processes in the cell, with many metabolic intermediates leaving and entering.

The citric acid cycle is central metabolic hub of the cell, It is the gateway to the aerobic metabolism of any molecule that can be transformed into an acetyl group or a component of the citric acid cycle. The cycle is also an important source of precursors for building blocks of many other molecule such as amino acid, nucleotide base, and porphyrin. The citric acid cycle component, oxaloacetate is also an important precursor to glucose.