
In one Krebs’ cycle, decarboxylation takes place at _______ steps.
(a) Five
(b) Four
(c) Three
(d) Two
Answer
514.8k+ views
2 likes
Hint: Decarboxylation is the process of removal of the carboxyl group from a compound with the release of a carbon dioxide molecule. So, the number of steps in which a molecule is released after removal of a carboxyl from a compound is the number of decarboxylation reactions in one Krebs’ cycle.
Complete answer:
Krebs’ cycle is the central pathway for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It begins with a citric acid molecule which is a 6- carbon compound and ends at Oxaloacetate which is a 4-carbon compound which indicates the removal of two carboxyl groups.
These carboxyl groups are removed with the release of a molecule in two different steps.
- The first oxidative decarboxylation takes place at the fourth step of the TCA cycle where isocitrate is converted to 5-carbon α-ketoglutarate, with the release of a pair of hydrogen atoms and a molecule of carbon dioxide.
- The second oxidative decarboxylation occurs at the fifth step of the Krebs’ cycle where a molecule of coenzyme-A reacts with the α-ketoglutarate to form a 4-carbon compound succinyl- coenzyme A and releasing carbon dioxide and a pair of hydrogen atoms.
So, the answer is, “Two”.
Note:Decarboxylation is the reaction in which a carboxyl group is removed and it generally refers to the reactions of carboxylic acids. The reverse of this process in which there is an addition of a molecule to a compound is called carboxylation and it is the first chemical step in photosynthesis.
Complete answer:
Krebs’ cycle is the central pathway for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It begins with a citric acid molecule which is a 6- carbon compound and ends at Oxaloacetate which is a 4-carbon compound which indicates the removal of two carboxyl groups.
These carboxyl groups are removed with the release of a
- The first oxidative decarboxylation takes place at the fourth step of the TCA cycle where isocitrate is converted to 5-carbon α-ketoglutarate, with the release of a pair of hydrogen atoms and a molecule of carbon dioxide.
- The second oxidative decarboxylation occurs at the fifth step of the Krebs’ cycle where a molecule of coenzyme-A reacts with the α-ketoglutarate to form a 4-carbon compound succinyl- coenzyme A and releasing carbon dioxide and a pair of hydrogen atoms.

So, the answer is, “Two”.
Note:Decarboxylation is the reaction in which a carboxyl group is removed and it generally refers to the reactions of carboxylic acids. The reverse of this process in which there is an addition of a
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹ per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

How much is 23 kg in pounds class 11 chemistry CBSE

Net gain of ATP in glycolysis a 6 b 2 c 4 d 8 class 11 biology CBSE
