What are the primary products of the citric acid cycle?

The primary products of the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, include ATP, NADH, and FADH2. During this cycle, acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins enters the cycle and gets oxidized.

As the cycle progresses, it generates high-energy electron carriers in the form of NADH and FADH2. These molecules play a crucial role in cellular respiration, as they transport electrons to the electron transport chain, where additional ATP is produced through oxidative phosphorylation. The ATP generated during the cycle itself is also a direct energy source for various cellular activities.

Overall, the citric acid cycle is a central metabolic pathway that not only produces energy-rich molecules but also contributes to the overall energy yield of the cell under aerobic conditions. Meanwhile, the other options, such as glucose and oxygen or carbon dioxide and water, pertain to different biological processes and do not specifically represent the main outputs of the citric acid cycle.