What are the components produced during Step 8 of the Citric Acid Cycle?

In Step 8 of the Citric Acid Cycle, the enzyme fumarase catalyzes the hydration of fumarate to yield malate. This step is crucial because it prepares malate for the subsequent oxidation reaction in the cycle. The production of malate is essential as it directly sets the stage for the conversion of malate back into oxaloacetate in the final step of the cycle, which then allows for the regeneration of the cycle's starting material.

While NADH is produced in the subsequent step through the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate, it is important to note that during Step 8 itself, the main product formed is malate. The mention of oxaloacetate is relevant since it is ultimately produced in the next step, but it is not a direct product of Step 8. Therefore, the key component produced during this specific step is malate, leading us to the conclusion that the correct answer highlights the relationship between these intermediates in the cycle.