Background Information
All cells, whether prokaryotic or eucaryotic, must produce energy to survive. The process behind the cellular energy production eluded scientists for years until 1937 when Hans A. Krebs proposed a specific metabolic pathway within the cells. The Krebs cycle, or citric acid cycle, was put forth to account for the oxidation of carbohydrates by animal tissues. Of course, later the acetyl derivative (a compound formed in fat degradation) was identical to the compound formed by the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate; thus proving that the Krebs cycle also serves for the oxidation of fats. Krebs' later work showed that the cycle is not restricted to animals, but rather is present in nearly all aerobic cells. Within the cell, the Krebs cycle takes place inside the mitochondria or "power plant" of the cell and provides the energy required for the organism to function.
Please click on The Mitochondrion for more information on the mighty organelle and the chemical processes leading up to the Krebs Cycle.
Please click on The Krebs Cycle for a diagram of the Krebs Cycle and a breakdown of its eight steps.
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