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Metabolic
Universal
Amino Acid Catabolism
Degradation of amino acids to metabolic intermediates and ammonia.
Overview
Amino acid catabolism begins with transamination or oxidative deamination to remove the amino group, which enters the urea cycle. The remaining carbon skeletons are converted to one of seven metabolic intermediates: pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, acetoacetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate, succinyl-CoA, fumarate, or oxaloacetate. Amino acids are classified as glucogenic, ketogenic, or both based on their catabolic products.
Cellular Location
Cytoplasm and mitochondria (primarily liver)
Clinical Significance
Connects protein metabolism to energy production; defects cause inborn errors (phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease); ALT/AST levels are clinical markers of liver damage.