[aj3537]

Synthesizing α-ketoglutarate. It is possible with the use of reactions and enzymes
discussed in the TCA chapter to convert pyruvate to α-ketoglutarate without depleting
any of the citric acid cycle components. Write a balanced reaction scheme for this
conversion showing necessary cofactors and identifying the required enzymes.


I have looked at both the TCA cycle and the Glyoxylate pathway as hint by our professor in class. the problem is that the Glyoxylate pathway "shortcut" skips making α-ketoglutarate. Another hint was to look at how an organism could grow solely on acetate as a carbon source. I can't find anything that clearly explains how that works let alone to begin writing my own metabolic cycle.

[Arkcon]

Excluding the hint that the teacher gave, I can see two other entry points into the TCA cycle, excluding glucose, what else provides energy for living things.

*Hint:  now, if you'll excuse me, I'll have to leave this forum to go work out,  and burn off this belly fat, hope I don't lose muscle mass, instead.