The primary reactants of the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, include acetyl-CoA, water, and electron carriers such as NAD+ and FAD.
Acetyl-CoA is derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and it enters the cycle by combining with oxaloacetate to form citrate. Water is involved in various steps of the cycle, often facilitating hydrolysis reactions. NAD+ and FAD are crucial for the redox reactions that occur during the cycle, as they accept electrons and get reduced to NADH and FADH2, respectively.
These reactants are essential for the cycle to function properly, leading to the production of energy carriers that are vital for cellular respiration and energy production in the cell.