What is the role of oxaloacetate in the Krebs cycle?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific function and significance of oxaloacetate within the Krebs cycle, which is a key metabolic pathway in cellular respiration.
Answer
Oxaloacetate combines with acetyl-CoA to form citrate in the Krebs cycle.
Oxaloacetate is an essential intermediate in the Krebs cycle. It combines with acetyl-CoA to form citrate, catalyzed by citrate synthase, effectively starting the cycle.
Answer for screen readers
Oxaloacetate is an essential intermediate in the Krebs cycle. It combines with acetyl-CoA to form citrate, catalyzed by citrate synthase, effectively starting the cycle.
More Information
The combination of oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA to form citrate is the first step of the Krebs cycle, which is crucial for cellular respiration and energy production.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse oxaloacetate's role with other intermediates in the cycle. Remember that it specifically reacts with acetyl-CoA to form citrate.
Sources
- The citric acid cycle | Cellular respiration (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- The citric acid cycle (article) | Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Oxaloacetic acid - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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