oxalacetát

Oxalacetate is a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H4O5. It plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism, particularly in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. In this cycle, oxalacetate condenses with acetyl-CoA to form citrate, initiating a series of reactions that generate ATP, NADH, and FADH2. Oxalacetate is regenerated at the end of the cycle, allowing the process to continue.

Beyond its role in energy production, oxalacetate is also involved in gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. It serves as an intermediate in this pathway, helping to maintain blood glucose levels. Furthermore, oxalacetate is a precursor for the synthesis of certain amino acids, such as aspartate. It can also be formed from the anaplerotic reaction of pyruvate carboxylation. The balance of oxalacetate levels is important for overall metabolic health.