Which statement best explains why the citric acid cycle operates in aerobic conditions?

The oxidized coenzymes NAD⁺ and FAD, essential for the citric acid cycle, are regenerated through electron transport, which needs oxygen.

The citric acid cycle directly consumes oxygen to produce energy-rich molecules needed for cellular respiration in mitochondria.

The citric acid cycle produces NADH and FADH₂, which require oxygen to be synthesized into ATP directly via electron transport.

Oxygen is required to convert acetyl-CoA into carbon dioxide and water during the citric acid cycle for energy release.