Where does the Krebs cycle occur within the cell?

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, occurs in the matrix of the mitochondria. This is the innermost compartment of the mitochondria, where a range of metabolic reactions, including those of the Krebs cycle, take place. The matrix provides an environment rich in enzymes and required co-factors that facilitate the conversion of acetyl-CoA into energy-rich electron carriers, NADH and FADH2, along with carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

The significance of the location is that the mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, and having the Krebs cycle in the matrix allows for efficient energy production needed for cellular functions. Cellular respiration, which includes glycolysis (in the cytoplasm) and the Krebs cycle (in the mitochondrial matrix), underscores the importance of compartmentalization within eukaryotic cells in optimizing metabolic pathways.