How does the Citric Acid Cycle contribute to the metabolism of fatty acids?

The Citric Acid Cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids primarily through the conversion of acetyl-CoA derived from these fatty acids into energy. When fatty acids undergo β-oxidation, they are broken down into acetyl-CoA molecules. These acetyl-CoA units then enter the Citric Acid Cycle, where they are further oxidized in a series of enzymatic reactions that ultimately lead to the production of ATP, NADH, and FADH₂, which are vital energy carriers in the cell.

Through these processes, the Citric Acid Cycle efficiently extracts energy from the acetyl-CoA units, highlighting its pivotal function in linking fatty acid metabolism to cellular energy production. This integration allows cells to utilize fatty acids as a significant energy source, especially in situations such as prolonged fasting, low carbohydrate intake, or intense exercise, where fatty acids become a major fuel source.

The other options reflect different processes that are not directly associated with the Citric Acid Cycle’s main role in energy production from fatty acids.