What are the main products of the Kreb's cycle?

Study for the NMAT Biology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The main products of the Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle, include water and carbon dioxide. During the process, acetyl-CoA enters the cycle and undergoes a series of reactions that lead to the release of high-energy electrons. These electrons are transferred to electron carriers like NAD+ and FAD, forming NADH and FADH2, which then participate in the electron transport chain to ultimately produce ATP.

As the cycle operates, it decarboxylates molecules, releasing carbon dioxide as a waste product. This carbon dioxide is expelled from the cells and exhaled. Water is also formed during the reactions as a byproduct of the electron transport chain when oxygen combines with hydrogen ions and electrons.

Other provided options highlight different byproducts or metabolic processes that do not accurately reflect the results of the Krebs cycle. For instance, lactic acid and ethanol are products of anaerobic fermentation, while glucose is a reactant in cellular respiration, not a product of the Krebs cycle specifically. The cycle itself is fundamental for the aerobic production of energy rather than for anaerobic pathways.

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