Tag: Citric acid cycle

The human body is remarkably efficient, capable of synthesizing 11 of the 20 standard amino acids needed for protein synthesis and other critical functions. These 'non-essential' amino acids are produced internally, ensuring the body has a steady supply without relying solely on dietary intake.

Coenzyme A (CoA), first discovered in 1946 by Fritz Lipmann, is an essential cofactor in all living organisms and is involved in over 100 metabolic reactions. Its unique chemical structure is key to its role as a carrier for acyl groups, particularly during fatty acid synthesis, oxidation, and the citric acid cycle.

Over 90% of overall human gluconeogenesis relies on precursors such as lactate, glycerol, alanine, and glutamine. A critical question in this complex metabolic network is: can glutamate be used as a precursor for gluconeogenesis? The answer is a definitive yes, as this amino acid plays a significant role in helping the body produce new glucose, particularly during periods of low carbohydrate availability.

Discovered in 1946 by biochemist Fritz Lipmann, coenzyme A (CoA) is a crucial molecule present in all living cells. This essential cofactor plays a fundamental role in a vast number of metabolic processes, including the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, the breakdown of carbohydrates, and the operation of the citric acid cycle. Without coenzyme A, the cellular machinery responsible for energy production and the creation of vital biomolecules would cease to function correctly.

Over 90% of a human's total energy intake comes from food, which is processed by metabolic pathways like the TCA cycle. This intricate process is driven by several enzymes, but not all of them can function without a key set of assistants. Understanding which vitamins are involved in the TCA cycle highlights the connection between diet and cellular energy.

A vital intermediate in numerous metabolic pathways, fumarate is a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid with roles extending from cellular energy production to nitrogen excretion. Understanding the diverse sources of fumarate reveals its central position in both biological systems and industrial processes.

Over one million tons of citric acid are manufactured annually for use in food, beverages, and medicine. The functions of citric acid in the body are diverse, encompassing everything from a central role in energy production to acting as a powerful antioxidant. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and is also produced commercially as a food additive.

Malic acid was first isolated from apple juice in 1785 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele. Its ionized form, known as malate, is a key organic compound in biochemistry, defined by its carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen structure. What is malate made of involves understanding its origin from malic acid and its function as a vital metabolic intermediate.

The body maintains a careful balance of metabolic intermediates, and while a normal diet provides only small amounts, conditions like massive blood transfusions can lead to a significant load of citrate. So, **what happens to excess citrate?** This article explains the metabolic fate of citrate and the health implications when levels become elevated.

Malic acid, the source of malate, was first isolated from apple juice in 1785. Today, we know that malate is a critical metabolic intermediate in all living organisms, playing a fundamental role in cellular energy production and overall nutritional health.