alpha-ketoglutaric acid

American

[al-fuh-kee-toh-gloo-tar-ik, al-fuh-kee-] / ˈæl fəˈki toʊ gluˈtær ɪk, ˌæl fəˌki- /

noun

Biochemistry.

a dibasic keto acid, C 5 H 6 O 5 , that occurs as an intermediate in the Krebs' cycle and in protein metabolism.

1905–10; keto- + glutaric ( acid ), probably blend of gluten (as in glutamic acid ) and pyrotartaric acid; see pyro-, tartaric

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