Explore the fundamental process that animates cells and governs life and death in this 56-minute lecture from The Royal Institution. Delve into the Krebs cycle's pivotal role in biology, challenging the gene-centric view of life. Discover how this remarkable cycle transforms inorganic molecules into life's building blocks and vice versa. Uncover connections between the origin of life, cancer, photosynthetic bacteria, mitochondria, and consciousness. Journey through topics including metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, cancer insights, reverse Krebs cycle, bioinformatics, hydrothermal vents, gene necessity, photosynthesis, predator evolution, and the cycle's role in disease. Gain a deeper understanding of life's coherence and its implications for Earth's history and our own existence.