Oxaloacetate
Oxaloacetate
Oxaloacetate (pronounced: ox-uh-loh-uh-see-tate) is a four-carbon molecule found in the mitochondrion. It is known for its role in many metabolic processes, most notably the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle.
Etymology
The term "Oxaloacetate" is derived from the Greek words 'oxys' meaning sharp or acid, and 'acetum' meaning vinegar. This is in reference to its acidic properties and its role in the metabolism of acetic acid.
Biochemical Role
Oxaloacetate plays a crucial role in various metabolic pathways. It is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, where it combines with acetyl CoA to form citrate, catalyzed by the enzyme citrate synthase. It is also involved in the gluconeogenesis pathway, where it is converted into phosphoenolpyruvate by the enzyme PEP carboxykinase.
Related Terms
- Citric Acid Cycle: The series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy.
- Acetyl CoA: A molecule that participates in many biochemical reactions in protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
- Citrate: A crucial intermediate in the citric acid cycle.
- Citrate Synthase: The enzyme that catalyzes the condensation of oxaloacetate with acetyl CoA to form citrate.
- Gluconeogenesis: A metabolic pathway that results in the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates.
- Phosphoenolpyruvate: A key intermediate in the glycolysis pathway.
- PEP Carboxykinase: An enzyme in the lyase family used in the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oxaloacetate
- Wikipedia's article - Oxaloacetate
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