Which product of the Krebs cycle does NOT contribute to energy production in cellular respiration?

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, plays a crucial role in cellular respiration by generating energy-rich molecules. Among the products of the Krebs cycle, ATP, NADH, and FADH2 are all directly involved in energy production.

NADH and FADH2 act as electron carriers, transferring high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain, where their energy is used to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. ATP, on the other hand, is the primary energy currency of the cell, directly fueling cellular activities.

CO2, while produced during the Krebs cycle, is a waste product and does not contribute to energy production. Its primary role is to be expelled from the organism, and it does not participate in the processes that yield energy within the cell. This distinguishes it from the other products that actively contribute to the generation of ATP and the overall energy yield of cellular respiration.