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: 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
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Word History
Etymology
Hebrew A. Krebs
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near Krebs cycle
Cite this Entry
“Krebs cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Krebs%20cycle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Krebs cycle
noun
: 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
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on Krebs cycle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Krebs cycle
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