What compounds are synthesized from succinyl CoA?

Succinyl CoA plays a critical role in the synthesis of porphyrins and heme, which are essential components of hemoglobin and various enzymes involved in electron transport and energy production. This compound is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, where it is generated from the breakdown of fatty acids and certain amino acids. The conversion of succinyl CoA to succinate involves a reaction that yields succinate and coenzyme A, which is coupled with the phosphorylation of GDP to GTP.

The relationship of succinyl CoA to porphyrin synthesis is tied to its role as a precursor for the production of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), the first step in the synthesis of porphyrins. ALA is produced from succinyl CoA and glycine in a reaction catalyzed by ALA synthase. This pathway is crucial for heme biosynthesis, and disturbances in this pathway can lead to various clinical conditions related to heme production.

In contrast, while lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and amino acids are important biomolecules, they are not directly synthesized from succinyl CoA. Instead, succinyl CoA's primary significance lies in its direct involvement in porphyr