During the Krebs cycle, which molecules are produced as outputs?

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During the Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, a variety of important molecules are produced as outputs that play key roles in cellular respiration and energy production. The cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix and involves a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that break down acetyl-CoA, ultimately generating high-energy electron carriers and ATP.

Specifically, for each turn of the Krebs cycle, the following outputs are produced:

  • NADH: This is a crucial electron carrier that is generated in multiple steps throughout the cycle. It is important for transporting electrons to the electron transport chain, where it can contribute to the production of additional ATP.

  • FADH2: Another electron carrier, FADH2 is formed during the cycle and also plays a pivotal role in energy production within the mitochondria.

  • ATP (or GTP): Directly produced during the Krebs cycle, this molecule is a primary energy currency of the cell.

Moreover, carbon dioxide is released as a waste product during the decarboxylation steps of the cycle. Each complete turn of the Krebs cycle processes one acetyl-CoA molecule and results in the release of two molecules of carbon dioxide.

Considering these outputs, the

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