Page 122 - BIOCHEMISTRY II
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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
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