g The net effect of the eight steps of the citric acid cycle is to ________. The net effect of the eight steps of the citric aci
d cycle is to ________. Produce NAD and Q Produce 8 ATP for every pass through the cycle Completely oxidize an acetyl group to carbon dioxide Convert pyruvate to succinate
Completely oxidize an acetyl group to carbon dioxide.
Explanation:
The net effect of TCA cycle is the oxidation of acetyl group so as to liberate carbon dioxide (CO₂). This oxidation of acetyl group is coupled to the reduction of hydrogen carriers like NAD⁺ and FAD so as to produce NADH + H⁺ and FADH₂ respectively. During TCA cycle, the acetyl CoA which is formed from pyruvate in PDH complex, transfers it's acetyl group to oxaloacetate which is a 4 carbon compound. As a result of this transfer, a 6 carbon compound known as citrate is formed. This citrate is then passed through a series of reactions during which it is broken down so as to regenerate oxaloacetate back. During these reactions, some very high energy molecules like NADH, ATP and FADH₂ are also produced.