Understanding Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle – Key Differences
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). Two essential steps in this process are glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Understanding the difference between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle is essential to learning about energy production in cells.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the first step of cellular respiration, where glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. It occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen.
What is the Krebs Cycle?
The Krebs cycle, also known as the TCA (Tricarboxylic Acid) cycle or the Citric Acid Cycle, occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and is the second stage of aerobic respiration. It processes pyruvate to generate ATP and high-energy electron carriers (NADH and FADH₂).
Table of Differences – Glycolysis vs Krebs Cycle
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FAQs on Difference Between Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle | NEET
1. What is the difference between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle?
Glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate and occurs in the cytoplasm, while the Krebs cycle processes pyruvate in the mitochondria to generate ATP, NADH, and FADH₂.
2. What is the difference between glycolysis and the TCA cycle?
Glycolysis is a linear pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, whereas the TCA cycle (another name for the Krebs cycle) is a cyclic pathway that processes Acetyl-CoA to produce ATP and electron carriers.
3. What is the step between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle?
Between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation to form Acetyl-CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle.
4. What are the major differences between glycolysis and aerobic respiration?
Glycolysis is anaerobic (can occur without oxygen), while aerobic respiration includes glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, requiring oxygen.
5. What is the importance of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle?
Glycolysis provides ATP and pyruvate for further energy production, while the Krebs cycle generates high-energy molecules (NADH, FADH₂) that power the electron transport chain.
6. What is another name for the Krebs cycle?
The Krebs cycle is also called the Citric Acid Cycle or the Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) Cycle.
7. What is the second name of the TCA cycle?
The TCA cycle is also known as the Krebs Cycle or the Citric Acid Cycle.
8. What is the difference between glycolysis and fermentation?
Glycolysis produces pyruvate and ATP, whereas fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen and converts pyruvate into lactic acid or ethanol to regenerate NAD⁺.
9. How many ATP are produced in glycolysis?
A total of 4 ATP are produced in glycolysis, but 2 ATP are used in the process, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP.
10. How does the Krebs cycle contribute to energy production?
The Krebs cycle generates NADH and FADH₂, which are used in oxidative phosphorylation to produce a large amount of ATP in the electron transport chain.
