What is formed after the two successive steps of decarboxylation in the TCA cycle?

Step-by-step solution

The TCA cycle starts with the condensation of acetyl group with oxaloacetic acid (OAA) and water to yield citric acid (Figure 12.3). The reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme citrate synthase and a molecule of CoA is released. Citrate is then isomerized to isocitrate. It is followed by two successive steps of decarboxylation, leading to the formation of α-ketoglutaric acid