Chemistry
The Role of Citric Acid Cycle Intermediates in Cellular Metabolism
Quick fact
The citric acid cycle is a 'metabolic crossroad': its intermediates are not only for energy but are also siphoned off for biosynthesis of amino acids, heme, and glucose, and anaplerotic reactions constantly refill the cycle to keep it running.
Why this is interesting
You know the Krebs cycle as the cell's powerhouse, but did you know it's also a construction site that provides building blocks for making new parts—amino acids, fat, and even glucose? How does one cycle manage both energy and building tasks?