The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of cells, where it plays a critical role in the production of energy through the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The end products of the citric acid cycle include:
1. ATP: Adenosine triphosphate is the primary source of energy for cells, and it is produced during the electron transport chain, which is fueled by the NADH and FADH2 molecules produced during the citric acid cycle.
2. NADH and FADH2: These are electron carriers that are used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP.
3. Carbon dioxide (CO2): This waste product is produced during the decarboxylation reactions that occur in the cycle.
4. Water (H2O): This is produced during the electron transport chain, which is fueled by the NADH and FADH2 molecules produced during the citric acid cycle.
Therefore, the end products of the citric acid cycle include ATP, NADH, FADH2, carbon dioxide, and water. There are no other major end products of the citric acid cycle that are typically considered.