The citric acid cycle begins by combining

A) carbon dioxide and water to form carbonic acid.
B) pyruvate and acetic acid to form acetoacetic acid.
C) pyruvate and carbon dioxide to form lactate.
D) oxaloacetic acid and acetyl-CoA to form citric acid.
E) pyruvate and citric acid.

Citric Acid Cycle

A key metabolic pathway that generates energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and captures the released energy in the form of ATP.

Oxaloacetic Acid

A four-carbon molecule that plays a crucial role in both the Krebs cycle and gluconeogenesis, acting as a substrate for the generation of various intermediates.

Acetyl-CoA

A key molecule involved in metabolism that links glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, playing a crucial role in energy production.