OXALOACETIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Oxaloacetic acid, also known as oxalacetic acid, is a tricarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H4O5. It is a colorless solid compound that plays a crucial role in various biochemical pathways, particularly in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle.
In biological terms, oxaloacetic acid is considered an intermediate molecule in cellular respiration. It acts as a substrate during the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the mitochondria of cells. This cycle is responsible for the generation of energy needed for cellular activities.
Oxaloacetic acid is involved in several biochemical reactions within the citric acid cycle. It combines with acetyl-CoA to form citric acid, and then undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions to produce energy-rich molecules such as NADH and FADH2. These molecules carry high-energy electrons that are later used in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as the main energy currency in cells.
Furthermore, oxaloacetic acid can also be converted into glucose through a process known as gluconeogenesis. This pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar levels and providing an alternative source of energy when glucose supply is limited.
Overall, oxaloacetic acid is a key compound in various metabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis. Its involvement in these processes ensures the vital production of energy and maintenance of cellular functions.
Common Misspellings for OXALOACETIC ACID
- ixaloacetic acid
- kxaloacetic acid
- lxaloacetic acid
- pxaloacetic acid
- 0xaloacetic acid
- 9xaloacetic acid
- ozaloacetic acid
- ocaloacetic acid
- odaloacetic acid
- osaloacetic acid
- oxzloacetic acid
- oxsloacetic acid
- oxwloacetic acid
- oxqloacetic acid
- oxakoacetic acid
- oxapoacetic acid
- oxaooacetic acid
- oxaliacetic acid
- oxal0acetic acid
Etymology of OXALOACETIC ACID
The word "oxaloacetic acid" has its origin in the combining of three components: "oxalo-", "acet-", and "-ic acid".
1. "Oxalo-" is derived from "oxalic acid" which comes from the Greek word "oxus" meaning "sour". Oxalic acid was first obtained from sorrel leaves, which have a sour taste.
2. "Acet-" is derived from "acetic acid" which comes from the Latin word "acetum" meaning "vinegar". Acetic acid was initially obtained by the fermentation of vinegar.
3. "-ic acid" is a common suffix added to indicate that the compound is an acid.
Combining these components, "oxaloacetic acid" is formed to describe the acid that is structurally related to both oxalic acid and acetic acid.
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