Explain why carbon dioxide is constantly given off during the Krebs cycle.

Answer 1

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the Krebs cycle because one of the key steps in the cycle is the decarboxylation of intermediates. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group (CO2) from a molecule, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. This process occurs during several steps in the Krebs cycle, such as the conversion of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate and the conversion of α-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA.

The release of carbon dioxide during the Krebs cycle is essential for the cycle to continue functioning properly. By removing carbon dioxide from the cycle, it allows for the regeneration of intermediates and the continued production of ATP and reduced coenzymes. The carbon dioxide released during the Krebs cycle is then exhaled by the organism as a waste product.