where in the cell does the krebs cycle take place

In eukaryotic cells, the Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, the innermost compartment of mitochondria, where enzymes catalyzing the cycle’s reactions are located. This strategic localization ensures that the products of the cycle (NADH and FADH₂) are immediately available for use in the electron transport chain, which is embedded in the adjacent inner mitochondrial membrane. In prokaryotic cells, which lack mitochondria, the entire process takes place within the cytoplasm.