Page 122 - BIOCHEMISTRY II

Importance of the Krebs cycle

Krebs cycle is amphibolic; it serves in both catabolic and
anabolic pathways; it is important for:

1. Production of ATP through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA
resulting from carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.

2. Provision of the body with intermediate compounds
essential for metabolism:
a. Oxaloacetate is a precursor of the amino acid,
aspartate, by transamination.
β. α-ketoglutarate is a precursor of the amino acid,
glutamate, by transamination.

c. Succinyl-CoA is essential for the synthesis of
porphyrin ring of heme, which serves as oxygen
carrier in hemoglobin.

3. Disposal of fumarate, which is a toxic metabolite

produced in the urea cycle. 124