Which component acts as a coenzyme for the reactions in the Citric Acid Cycle?

Prepare for the Citric Acid Cycle Test. Access hints, detailed explanations, and practice with questions to enhance your understanding of this key metabolic process. Get exam-ready with our comprehensive review!

In the Citric Acid Cycle, the role of coenzymes is crucial for facilitating various enzymatic reactions. Among the options provided, the most relevant coenzymes are NAD+ and FAD+, which are essential in several steps of the cycle where they serve as electron carriers.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) accepts electrons during the oxidation of substrates, and this reduction to NADH plays a fundamental role in linking the cycle to the electron transport chain for ATP production. Similarly, FAD+ (Flavin adenine dinucleotide) also acts as an electron acceptor in the cycle, particularly in the conversion of succinate to fumarate.

Acetyl-CoA, on the other hand, is not a coenzyme but rather a substrate that enters the Citric Acid Cycle. While Acetyl-CoA is critical for the cycle as it combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, it does not participate as a coenzyme in the biochemical reactions carried out in the cycle itself.

Therefore, the components that directly function as coenzymes in the Citric Acid Cycle are NAD+ and FAD+, who play a significant role in the redox reactions that occur throughout the process.

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