The TCA Cycle as Oxidative Decarboxylation

The Biochemistry of Movement > 9.7.8. Gentle exercise uses type 1 muscles and involves aerobic respiration > The TCA Cycle as Oxidative Decarboxylation >

Outline the TCA cycle as oxidative decarboxylation with the addition of acetyl CoA as the energy source in each cycle

• Decarboxylation:
  • The removal of a carboxyl group, which releases CO₂. The TCA cycle contains many examples of this.
  • Oxidation reaction
• Acetyl CoA fuels the TCA cycle.
• Pyruvate is converted into Acetyl CoA via oxidative decarboxylation:
• • A carboxyl group is removed from Pyruvate and released as CO₂.
  • The remaining 2-carbon portion is then oxidised by NAD⁺. NAD⁺ gains two hydrogens. The 2-carbon portion becomes acetic acid.
  • Coenzyme A attaches itself to the acetic acid, forming acetyl-CoA. This molecule is needed in order for the TCA cycle to continue.