Oxalacetic Acid (Noun)
Meaning
An acid formed by oxidation of maleic acid (as in metabolism of fats and carbohydrates).
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Oxalacetic acid is an important intermediate in the citric acid cycle, playing a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
- In the citric acid cycle, oxalacetic acid reacts with acetyl-CoA to form citrate, which is then converted into isocitrate.
- Oxalacetic acid is also a key component in the synthesis of aspartic acid, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to several important biomolecules.
- During the breakdown of fatty acids, oxalacetic acid is produced as a byproduct, which is then utilized in the citric acid cycle.
- In some metabolic disorders, an accumulation of oxalacetic acid can occur, leading to a range of biochemical and physiological disturbances.