What is the end product of the Citric Acid Cycle per one acetyl-CoA molecule?

Prepare for the Citric Acid Cycle Test. Access hints, detailed explanations, and practice with questions to enhance your understanding of this key metabolic process. Get exam-ready with our comprehensive review!

The correct answer indicates that the end product of the Citric Acid Cycle per one acetyl-CoA molecule is two ATP, three NADH, and one FADH2.

In the Citric Acid Cycle, for every turn of the cycle initiated by one acetyl-CoA molecule, several key molecules are generated. It is crucial to understand that the primary function of the cycle is to harvest high-energy electrons, which are then utilized in the electron transport chain.

During one complete turn of the cycle, three NAD+ molecules are reduced to form three NADH. These NADH molecules carry high-energy electrons that will later contribute to ATP production in oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, one FAD molecule is reduced to FADH2 through the cycle. FADH2, like NADH, also carries electrons but enters the electron transport chain at a different point, contributing to energy production.

As for the ATP yield, in many descriptions of the Citric Acid Cycle, ATP is often presented as GTP since GTP can readily be converted to ATP. Nevertheless, in the context of the cycle itself, what is often referred to is one GTP molecule generated. In some cases, it might be used interchangeably, but it is essential to

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