How many NADH molecules are produced in one cycle of the Citric Acid Cycle?

In one cycle of the Citric Acid Cycle, three molecules of NADH are produced. The cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, involves a series of enzymatic reactions where acetyl-CoA is oxidized to carbon dioxide. During these reactions, three specific steps lead to the reduction of NAD+ to NADH.

The points in the cycle where NADH is generated include:

1. The conversion of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate.

2. The conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA.

3. The conversion of malate to oxaloacetate.

At each of these steps, electrons are transferred to NAD+, resulting in the formation of NADH. This is vital as NADH serves as an important electron carrier that is then utilized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP, thus playing a crucial role in cellular respiration.

This understanding of the production of NADH highlights its significance in the energy yield of the Citric Acid Cycle, making it a key component in aerobic metabolism.