Name the reactions in the citric acid cycle that involve oxidative decarboxylation.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the citric acid cycle as a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy.
2. Understand that oxidative decarboxylation is a reaction where a carboxyl group is removed, releasing carbon dioxide, and the substrate is oxidized.
3. Recognize that in the citric acid cycle, oxidative decarboxylation reactions involve the conversion of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate and α-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA.
4. Note that these reactions are catalyzed by the enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, respectively.
5. Remember that these reactions also involve the reduction of NAD+ to NADH, which is crucial for the electron transport chain.

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 takes place in the mitochondria and involves the oxidation of acetyl-CoA to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which are crucial for cellular respiration.

Oxidative Decarboxylation

Oxidative decarboxylation is a biochemical reaction that involves the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, releasing carbon dioxide, while simultaneously oxidizing the remaining molecule. This process is essential in the citric acid cycle for converting substrates into energy-rich compounds.

Key Reactions in the Citric Acid Cycle

In the citric acid cycle, the key reactions that involve oxidative decarboxylation are the conversion of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate and the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA. These reactions are catalyzed by isocitrate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, respectively, and are critical for the cycle's function and energy production.