Mitochondrial metabolism, dominated by the reactions of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is of vital importance for a wide range of metabolic processes. In particular for autotrophic tissue, such as plant leaves, the TCA cycle marks the point of divergence of anabolic pathways and plays an essential role in biosynthesis. However, despite extensive knowledge about its stoichiometric properties, the function and the dynamical capabilities of the TCA cycle remain largely unknown.