Where does the TCA cycle occur and what is its primary purpose?

Where does the TCA cycle occur and what is its primary purpose?

• A. Nucleus; to synthesize ribose-5-phosphate.
• B. Mitochondrial matrix; to oxidize acetyl-CoA to CO2 while generating NADH, FADH2, and GTP/ATP.
• C. Cytosol; to generate ATP directly via substrate-level phosphorylation only.
• D. Mitochondrial intermembrane space; to pump protons to create a proton gradient.

Answer: (B)