Refer to the diagram of the citric acid cycle in Figure 18.13 to answer each of the following:


d. In which reactions are secondary alcohols oxidized?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of secondary alcohols in the citric acid cycle. Secondary alcohols have the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom that is also connected to two other carbon atoms.
2. Locate the specific steps in the citric acid cycle where these secondary alcohols are present. This typically involves examining the intermediates of the cycle.
3. Determine which reactions involve the oxidation of these secondary alcohols. Oxidation in this context usually involves the conversion of an alcohol to a ketone or aldehyde, often facilitated by dehydrogenase enzymes.
4. Look for the presence of coenzymes such as NAD+ or FAD, which are commonly involved in oxidation reactions by accepting electrons.
5. Identify the specific enzymes that catalyze these oxidation reactions, such as dehydrogenases, which are responsible for the conversion of secondary alcohols to ketones in the citric acid cycle.

Key Concepts

Citric Acid Cycle

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a series of enzymatic reactions that occur in the mitochondria, playing a crucial role in cellular respiration. It involves the oxidation of acetyl-CoA to produce energy in the form of ATP, as well as electron carriers like NADH and FADH2. Understanding this cycle is essential for identifying where specific reactions, such as the oxidation of secondary alcohols, take place.

Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols

In biochemical terms, oxidation refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, often involving the conversion of alcohols to carbonyl compounds. In the context of the citric acid cycle, secondary alcohols are oxidized to ketones through specific enzymatic reactions. Recognizing these reactions is vital for understanding how secondary alcohols are processed within the cycle.

Enzymatic Reactions

Enzymatic reactions are biochemical processes facilitated by enzymes, which are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions. In the citric acid cycle, various enzymes catalyze the oxidation of substrates, including secondary alcohols. Familiarity with these enzymes and their specific roles helps in pinpointing where oxidation occurs within the cycle.