OXALOACETIC ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Oxaloacetic acid is a type of organic compound that falls under the category of alpha-keto acids. It is derived from oxalacetic acid, which is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle.
Also referred to as oxaloacetate, oxaloacetic acid is a four-carbon molecule with two oxygen atoms situated on the same carbon. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, especially in the citric acid cycle, which takes place in the mitochondria of cells. Oxaloacetic acid participates in the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Furthermore, oxaloacetic acid is involved in various biochemical reactions, including gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of certain amino acids, and the transamination of other alpha-keto acids. It serves as a substrate for enzymes like malate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. Additionally, oxaloacetic acid is connected to a range of metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, contributing to the overall metabolic homeostasis in living organisms.
In summary, oxaloacetic acid is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle and plays a vital role in cellular energy production. Its involvement in multiple metabolic pathways and enzymatic reactions ensures the proper functioning of various physiological processes within organisms.
Common Misspellings for OXALOACETIC ACIDS
- ixaloacetic acids
- kxaloacetic acids
- lxaloacetic acids
- pxaloacetic acids
- 0xaloacetic acids
- 9xaloacetic acids
- ozaloacetic acids
- ocaloacetic acids
- odaloacetic acids
- osaloacetic acids
- oxzloacetic acids
- oxsloacetic acids
- oxwloacetic acids
- oxqloacetic acids
- oxakoacetic acids
- oxapoacetic acids
- oxaooacetic acids
- oxaliacetic acids
- oxalkacetic acids
- oxallacetic acids
Etymology of OXALOACETIC ACIDS
The word "oxaloacetic acid" derives from its chemical composition and compounds it is related to.
"Oxalo" refers to oxalic acid, a dicarboxylic acid found in various plants, especially in the form of its calcium salt. The name "oxalic" is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning "sour", due to the acid's sour taste. "Oxalic acid" was first isolated from wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), hence the prefix "oxalo".
"Ace" in "oxaloacetic" comes from "acetic acid", which is a monobasic organic acid found in vinegar. The word "acetic" comes from the Latin word "acetum", meaning "vinegar". "Acetic acid" is known for its distinctively sharp and pungent smell.
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