Chemistry
Biochemistry of the Citric Acid Cycle and Its Feedback Inhibition
Quick fact
The citric acid cycle is regulated by feedback inhibition at three key enzymes—citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase—where high levels of NADH and ATP signal the cycle to slow down, preventing overproduction of energy.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard that the citric acid cycle is the 'powerhouse' of metabolism, but did you know that it's also a master switch that turns itself off when the cell has enough energy? How does a cycle that produces vital energy know when to stop?