Which of the following is true of α-ketoglutaric acid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under physiological conditions, α-ketoglutaric acid can be decarboxylated via oxidative decarboxylation, leading to the formation of succinyl-CoA in the citric acid cycle. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, similar to the decarboxylation reaction in pyruvate dehydrogenase and branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes. Therefore, option A is incorrect, and option B is also incorrect as it suggests that decarboxylation cannot occur at all, which is not true. Option D is also incorrect, as reductive decarboxylation is not a known metabolic pathway for α-ketoglutaric acid under physiological conditions.

Which of the Following Is True of α-Ketoglutaric Acid