Cell Biology: Metabolism and Citric acid cycle

Course Title: Cellular Metabolism and Energy Production
Created by Dr Akash Singh

This course explores the fundamental processes that fuel cellular activity through metabolic pathways. At the heart of energy production lies catabolism—a series of intricate biochemical reactions that break down nutrients to generate key molecules like ATP, NADH, and FADH₂. These reduced cofactors serve as electron donors, driving the electron transport chain and powering oxidative phosphorylation, the cell’s primary mechanism for ATP synthesis.

Learners will gain a deep understanding of how energy flows through the cell, how metabolic intermediates are generated and utilized, and how mitochondria orchestrate these processes to sustain life.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of cellular bioenergetics
• Explore central metabolic pathways and their regulation
• Analyse glycolysis and its role in energy harvesting
• Examine the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and its integration with other pathways
• Investigate the electron transport chain (ETC) and oxidative phosphorylation

Skills You’ll Develop:

• Mastery of catabolic pathways and their biochemical logic
• Insight into mitochondrial function and energy conversion
• Ability to trace ATP production from substrate breakdown to electron flow

Whether you’re a student of biology, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how cells generate energy, this course offers a clear, structured journey through the molecular machinery that powers life.