Biology - Cell Biology - Advanced - Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) - The Krebs Cycle
6-step cycle. Step 1: 'PYRUVATE LINK REACTION: Before Krebs, pyruvate (3C) enters the mitochondrial matrix. It loses one CO₂ and gains a CoA → Acetyl CoA (2C). Also produces 1 NADH. This happens twice (one per pyruvate).' Step 2: 'CYCLE START: Acetyl CoA (2C) joins with oxaloacetate (4C) → Citrate (