1. In all plants and animals: a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy
   "The biochemistry student drew a diagram of the citric acid cycle";
   - Krebs cycle, Krebs citric acid cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle

Derived forms: citric acid cycles

Type of: biological process, organic process

Part of: metabolic process, metabolism

Encyclopedia: Citric acid cycle