The Krebs Cycle
Krebs Cycle
- Also takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.
- Each complete circuit of the cycle results in the breakdown of an acetyl group, from the link reaction, and the regeneration of Oxaloacetate.
- Reactants...
- AcetylCoA
- 3x NAD
- ADP + Pi
- FAD
- Products...
- ATP
- 3x NADH
- FADH2
- CoA
The Importance of Coenzymes in Respiration
- Coenzymes are required to transport protons, electrons and functional groups between the many stages of respiration.
- Without coenzymes to transport electrons and protons many oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions required in the krebs cycle would not be possible.
- NAD and FAD are both coenzymes which accept protons and electrons released during the breakdown of glucose in respiration. The differences between them are...
- NAD is present in all stages, but FAD is only present in the krebs cycle.
- NAD accepts 1 hydrogen, but FAD accepts 2 hydrogens.
- NADH is oxidised at the start of the electron transport chain, but FADH2 is oxidised later in the chain.
- NADH results in synthesis of 3 ATP molecules, but FADH2 results in the synthesis of only 2 ATP molecules.