KETO ACID Meaning and
Definition
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A keto acid refers to an organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to a carboxyl group (COOH). Specifically, it is an acid in which the carbonyl group is located on the α-carbon of the molecule. The term "keto acid" is often used in the context of metabolism and biochemistry.
In the human body, keto acids play a crucial role in various metabolic processes. They are intermediates in the breakdown of amino acids, as well as in the synthesis of fatty acids and glucose. During amino acid metabolism, proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, which are further metabolized by removing the amino group (-NH2) to produce a keto acid. These keto acids can then be converted into other molecules, such as acetyl-CoA, which can enter the citric acid cycle for energy production.
One well-known example of a keto acid is pyruvate, which is formed during glycolysis, the first step in glucose metabolism. Pyruvate can be further converted into acetyl-CoA, which is a critical molecule in cellular respiration. Other common examples include alpha-ketoglutarate, which is involved in the citric acid cycle, and oxaloacetate, which carries out gluconeogenesis.
Due to their involvement in metabolic pathways, keto acids have garnered significant research interest in fields like nutrition and medicine. Understanding the roles and regulation of keto acids is vital for unraveling the intricacies of metabolic diseases and developing therapeutic interventions.
Common Misspellings for KETO ACID
- jeto acid
- meto acid
- leto acid
- oeto acid
- ieto acid
- kwto acid
- ksto acid
- kdto acid
- krto acid
- k4to acid
- k3to acid
- kero acid
- kefo acid
- kego acid
- keyo acid
- ke6o acid
- ke5o acid
- keti acid
- ketk acid
- ketl acid
Etymology of KETO ACID
The word "keto" in "keto acid" is derived from the Greek word "keton", meaning "acetone". "Acid" is derived from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour". These terms are combined to refer to organic acids that possess a keto functional group (a carbonyl group, C=O) attached to a carbon atom.
