Citric Acid Cycle: Overview

This lecture covers the citric acid cycle, the central hub of aerobic respiration, detailing the three stages of catabolism of proteins, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. It explains the production of Acetyl-CoA, its oxidation, electron transfer, and oxidative phosphorylation. The regulation of pyruvate decarboxylation is also discussed, emphasizing the key role of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Furthermore, the lecture delves into fatty acid oxidation, the process of triglyceride breakdown, and the transportation of fatty acids within mitochondria. The mechanisms of fatty acid activation and the crucial role of carnitine in fatty acid transport are elucidated.