Krebs cycle

noun

ˈkrebz- 

: a sequence of reactions in the living organism in which oxidation of acetic acid or acetyl equivalent provides energy for storage in phosphate bonds (as in ATP)

called also citric acid cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle

Examples of Krebs cycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometimes referred to as the citric acid cycle, the Krebs cycle is the process through which the body's cells generate energy. —Mary Choy, Health, 14 July 2024

Metabolism refers to the sets of chemical reactions — including the Krebs cycle, glycolysis, the urea cycle and many other processes — that are catalyzed by cellular enzymes and that convert one molecule into another in cells. —Allison Parshall, Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2022

Elsewhere, this is how to teach the Krebs cycle! —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew A. Krebs

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Krebs cycle

noun

ˈkrebz- 

: a series of chemical reactions in living things in which acetic acid or a related substance is oxidized to produce energy which is stored in ATP

Medical Definition

Krebs cycle

noun

ˈkrebz- 

: a sequence of reactions in the living organism in which oxidation of acetic acid or acetyl equivalent provides energy for storage in phosphate bonds (as in ATP)

called also citric acid cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle