fumarátovej

Fumarate is a chemical compound with the formula C4H4O4. It is the dianion of fumaric acid, a dicarboxylic acid. Fumarate plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, specifically in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle. In this metabolic pathway, fumarate is converted to malate by the enzyme fumarase. This conversion is an essential step in the generation of ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.

The fumarate molecule is characterized by its trans configuration around the double bond, which distinguishes it from its cis isomer, maleate. This structural difference significantly impacts its chemical properties and biological function. Fumarate is a relatively stable compound.

In addition to its role in the citric acid cycle, fumarate is also involved in other metabolic processes. It can be synthesized from succinate or aspartate. The enzyme succinate dehydrogenase catalyzes the reversible oxidation of succinate to fumarate within the citric acid cycle. Fumarate can also be produced through the action of fumarase on malate, a reaction that is the reverse of its role in the citric acid cycle.

The metabolism of fumarate is tightly regulated to maintain cellular energy homeostasis. Disruptions in fumarate metabolism can have implications for various physiological processes and have been implicated in certain diseases. The ability to interconvert fumarate with other metabolites highlights its central position in cellular energy production.