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

Examples of Krebs cycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Krebs cycle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew A. Krebs

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Krebs cycle was in 1941

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 19 Mar. 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

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