The differences between glycolysis and citric acid cycle are as follows:
| Glycolysis | Citric Acid Cycle |
| Glycolysis is the first step of respiration. |
The citric acid cycle (Krebs’ cycle or TCA Cycle) is the second step of respiration. |
| This process happens in the cytoplasm. | This process occurs in the matrix of mitochondria |
| It occurs both aerobically and anaerobically. | It occurs anaerobically |
| Two ATPs are consumed during this process. | No consumption of ATP in the citric acid cycle. |
| The total gain of ATP is 8 (which includes NADH). | The net gain of ATP is 24 |
| Oxidative phosphorylation is not involved. | Oxidative phosphorylation is involved |
| It is a linear pathway | It is a circular pathway. |
| Carbon-di-oxide has not evolved | Carbon-di-oxide is evolved. |
What is the significance of the stepwise release of energy in respiration?
Discuss “The respiratory pathway is an amphibolic pathway”.
What are the assumptions made during the calculation of net gain of ATP?