noun
- A four-carbon organic compound that plays a central role in cellular metabolism, particularly in the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis.
Usage: biochemistry; technical
Examples
- Oxaloacetate is regenerated in each turn of the citric acid cycle.
- The enzyme malate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of malate to oxaloacetate.
- Oxaloacetate serves as a precursor for the synthesis of glucose during gluconeogenesis.
- In the citric acid cycle, acetyl-CoA condenses with oxaloacetate to form citrate.
- Deficiencies in oxaloacetate production can impair cellular energy metabolism.