The Importance of the TCA Cycle

The TCA Cycle is also known as the Krebs Cycle or the Citric Acid Cycle. The TCA Cycle is a catabolic chemical reaction necessary to sustain respiration and energy production.

Background

• The TCA Cycle is a chemical reaction that yields energy and carbon dioxide. The TCA Cycle occurs in the mitochondria, an organelle component of human cells. Oxygen is required as a power source in humans to produce the byproducts of energy and carbon dioxide.

Features

• Energy is derived from glucose, a component of carbohydrates and other foods. Glucose is broken down into component parts and, with the help of enzymes, enters the TCA cycle to produce enzymatic byproducts and electrons that eventually yield energy and carbon dioxide. The TCA cycle is highly activated during aerobic exercise.

Benefits

• The TCA Cycle helps provide energy to the human body. Without a properly functioning TCA Cycle, you would not be able to engage in respiration, the process of inhaling and exhaling, properly. The inability to breathe properly can cause various ailments and can be fatal in certain cases.