Compound that reacts with oxaloacetate to produce citrate at the beginning of the citric acid cycle; a key metabolic intermediate in the formation of many compounds.

Small, water-soluble metabolite comprising an acetyl group linked to coenzyme A (CoA); formed during oxidation of pyruvate, fatty acids, and amino acids. Its acetyl group is transferred to citrate in the citric acid cycle. ( Figure 16-10)

Small water-soluble molecule that carries acetyl groups in cells. Comprises an acetyl group linked to coenzyme A (CoA) by an easily hydrolyzable thioester bond.

An intermediate compound formed during the breakdown of glucose by adding a two-carbon fragment to a carrier molecule (Coenzyme A or CoA).

the major fuel for the oxidative processes in the body, being derived from the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.