Which component of the CPU performs the executing step of the machine cycle?

The component of the CPU that performs the executing step of the machine cycle is the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). The ALU carries out arithmetic operations (like addition and subtraction) and logic operations (such as comparisons). It takes the instructions fetched from memory, processes them, and produces the necessary output. This execution is guided by the control unit, which directs the operation of the ALU.