What are the main products of the Krebs cycle?

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a crucial metabolic pathway that plays a pivotal role in cellular respiration. The main products of the Krebs cycle include NADH, FADH2, ATP (or GTP), and carbon dioxide.

NADH and FADH2 are important electron carriers that transport electrons to the electron transport chain, where they contribute to ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. Each turn of the Krebs cycle generates three molecules of NADH and one molecule of FADH2. These products are essential for the efficient production of ATP, as they help drive the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.

Additionally, one molecule of ATP (or GTP, depending on the cell type) is produced directly from substrate-level phosphorylation during the cycle. Finally, carbon dioxide is released as a waste product when the carbon atoms that originally were part of acetyl-CoA are fully oxidized. The release of carbon dioxide signifies that the carbons from the original glucose molecule (which enters cellular respiration) are being completely metabolized.

In summary, the Krebs cycle is integral to energy production, and its main products are key contributors to