The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle, occurs in the matrix of the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells
. This mitochondrial matrix is a dense fluid that contains the enzymes necessary for the cycle's biochemical reactions. In contrast, in prokaryotic cells, which lack mitochondria, the Krebs cycle takes place in the cytoplasm
. Thus:
- Eukaryotic cells: Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
- Prokaryotic cells: Krebs cycle occurs in the cytoplasm.
This location allows the cycle to efficiently produce energy-rich molecules like NADH and FADH2, which are then used in the electron transport chain for ATP production
