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Biology / Unit 3   Bio 0546 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Citric Acid Cycle: A Closed Loop

Captions available

The idea

The citric acid cycle is a closed loop in the mitochondrial matrix that regenerates its own starting compound, unlike glycolysis's linear path.

In practice

Acetyl CoA joins oxaloacetate to form citrate, and eight steps later the cycle regenerates oxaloacetate for another turn.

Where people slip

The cycle does not consume citrate as fuel, nor does it take up oxygen — it hands electrons to a separate chain.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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