What is the main function of the Krebs cycle in cellular respiration?

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, plays a crucial role in cellular respiration by generating energy carriers for ATP production. During this cycle, acetyl-CoA, derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions. Throughout these reactions, high-energy electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2 are produced. These carriers then transport electrons to the electron transport chain, where their energy is used to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

This cyclical process not only contributes to energy production but also provides intermediates that are important for the synthesis of various biomolecules. The other options do not accurately describe the primary role of the Krebs cycle in energy metabolism, as glucose generation occurs mainly through glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, energy storage occurs mainly via lipogenesis, and protein synthesis takes place in ribosomes.