What happens during the Krebs cycle?

During the Krebs cycle, acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, which is progressively oxidized through a series of eight enzymatic reactions. This results in the release of two CO₂ molecules, and the reduction of three NAD⁺ to NADH and one FAD to FADH₂. A single GTP (or ATP) is formed through substrate-level phosphorylation. The cycle concludes with the regeneration of oxaloacetate, allowing continuous operation as long as substrates and cofactors are available.