Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
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.
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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.
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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.
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