Alpha-ketoglutarate
Alpha-ketoglutarate
Alpha-ketoglutarate (pronounced: al-fa ke-to-glu-ta-rate), also known as 2-oxoglutarate, is a key molecule in the Krebs cycle, which is a crucial part of cellular respiration.
Etymology
The term "alpha-ketoglutarate" is derived from its chemical structure, which includes a ketone group (hence "keto") and a glutaric acid (hence "glutarate"). The "alpha" refers to the position of the ketone group on the first carbon atom in the molecule.
Function
Alpha-ketoglutarate plays a vital role in various metabolic pathways. It is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, where it combines with amino acids to form molecules that can enter the cycle for energy production. It also plays a role in amino acid synthesis and the urea cycle, which helps to remove excess nitrogen from the body.
Related Terms
- Krebs cycle: A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy.
- Amino acids: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
- Amino acid synthesis: The process by which amino acids are produced from other compounds.
- Urea cycle: A cycle of biochemical reactions that produces urea from ammonia.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha-ketoglutarate
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha-ketoglutarate
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