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Multiple Choice
Which of the following electron carriers are produced during the citric acid cycle?
A
ATP and NADH
B
ATP and NADPH
C
NADH and FADH2
D
NADPH and FADH2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
Identify the main products of the citric acid cycle. The cycle produces high-energy electron carriers that are crucial for the electron transport chain, which ultimately leads to ATP production.
Recognize that during the citric acid cycle, NADH and FADH2 are the primary electron carriers produced. These molecules are reduced forms of NAD+ and FAD, respectively, and they carry electrons to the electron transport chain.
Understand that ATP is also produced during the citric acid cycle, but it is not considered an electron carrier. Instead, ATP is a direct energy currency of the cell.
Note that NADPH is not produced in the citric acid cycle. NADPH is primarily involved in anabolic reactions, such as fatty acid synthesis, and is generated in the pentose phosphate pathway, not the citric acid cycle.