Final answer:
The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is an important metabolic pathway in cellular respiration. It converts pyruvate into CO2 and produces high-energy molecules like FADH2, NADH, and ATP. Acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citric acid, which goes through a series of reactions to release energy and produce ATP, FADH2, and NADH.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is an important metabolic pathway in cellular respiration. It occurs in the mitochondria and is responsible for converting pyruvate into CO2 and producing high-energy molecules like FADH2, NADH, and ATP.
During the Krebs cycle, acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citric acid, which is why it is also called the citric acid cycle. This six-carbon molecule goes through a series of reactions, releasing energy and producing ATP, FADH2, and NADH. These energy-carrying molecules participate in oxidative phosphorylation and fuel ATP production. The cycle ends with the regeneration of oxaloacetate, which can then combine with acetyl-CoA to start the cycle again.