Name the reaction of the citric acid cycle that reduces FAD.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy.
2. Understand that during the citric acid cycle, several reactions involve the reduction of coenzymes, which are crucial for the production of ATP.
3. Recognize that FAD (Flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that gets reduced to FADH2 during one specific reaction in the cycle.
4. Recall that the reaction involving the reduction of FAD to FADH2 is catalyzed by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase.
5. Conclude that the specific reaction in the citric acid cycle where FAD is reduced is the conversion of succinate to fumarate.

Key Concepts

Citric Acid Cycle

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy. It occurs in the mitochondria and involves the oxidation of acetyl-CoA to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which are crucial for cellular respiration.

FAD Reduction

FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that plays a vital role in the citric acid cycle. During the cycle, FAD is reduced to FADH2 in a specific reaction, which captures high-energy electrons. This reduction is essential for the subsequent production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Succinate Dehydrogenase

Succinate dehydrogenase is the enzyme responsible for the reaction in the citric acid cycle that reduces FAD to FADH2. This reaction occurs when succinate is converted to fumarate, and it is unique because it is the only enzyme that participates in both the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain.