Description
A “Kreb's Cycle” (55×90 cm) educational chart shows the complete sequence of biochemical reactions in the citric acid (TCA) cycle, with clear, labeled steps, molecular structures, and ATP yield—ideal for biochemistry, biology, and life science teaching.
Chart Features and Stepwise Cycle Description
Size and Material: Measures 55×90 cm, printed in multicolor and typically laminated, ensuring durability for frequent classroom and laboratory reference.
Cycle Overview:
Also known as the citric acid or tricarboxylic acid cycle, Kreb's Cycle is central to cellular respiration, taking place in the mitochondrial matrix of eukaryotes and cytoplasm of prokaryotes.
The cycle fully oxidizes acetyl CoA, derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, to yield carbon dioxide, high-energy carriers (NADH, FADH₂), and GTP/ATP.
Stepwise Reactions:
Step 1: Acetyl CoA (2C) joins oxaloacetate (4C) to form citrate (6C); enzyme: citrate synthase.
Step 2: Citrate → isocitrate via aconitase.
Step 3: Isocitrate decarboxylated and dehydrogenated to α-ketoglutarate (5C); CO₂ and NADH produced.
Step 4: α-ketoglutarate → succinyl CoA (4C); CO₂ and NADH released; enzyme: α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.
Step 5: Succinyl CoA → succinate; GTP (then ATP) produced via substrate-level phosphorylation.
Step 6: Succinate → fumarate; FADH₂ produced.
Step 7: Fumarate → malate via addition of H₂O.
Step 8: Malate oxidized to oxaloacetate, producing NADH, and the cycle repeats.
Net Yields (per one acetyl CoA turn):
2 CO₂, 3 NADH, 1 FADH₂, 1 ATP (or GTP); the cycle runs twice per glucose, doubling these outputs.
NADH and FADH₂ go on to yield further ATP in the electron transport chain.
Educational Content:
Arrows show intermediate flow; diagrams mark enzymes and coenzymes at each step.
Notes or captions summarize reactants, products, site (mitochondrial matrix), and cycle significance in overall energy production.
Some charts include a streamlined summary or formula: Acetyl CoA + 3 NAD⁺ + FAD + GDP + Pi + 2 H₂O → 2 CO₂ + CoA + 3 NADH + 3 H⁺ + FADH₂ + GTP (→ ATP).
A Krebs Cycle chart is indispensable for understanding aerobic metabolism, connecting glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, and mastering biochemistry fundamentals.