Krebs Cycle and NAD⁺ Reduction

In cellular respiration, the conversion of glucose to ATP involves a series of biochemical pathways. During glycolysis, glucose is metabolized into pyruvate, which is then utilized in the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) within the mitochondria. Understanding the high-energy molecules produced during these processes is vital for grasping bioenergetics.

One important aspect of this metabolic pathway is the role of electron carriers, specifically NAD⁺ and FAD. These carriers undergo reduction, accepting electrons and protons, and are then reoxidized in the electron transport chain (ETC). Considering these reactions, which molecule is specifically produced during the Krebs cycle and functions as a critical reduced form of NAD⁺ in the energetic processes of the cell?