Applications

Succinyl CoA is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. It is formed by α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase decarboxylation of α-ketoglutarate. Succinyl CoA is also formed from propionyl CoA during the β-oxidation of odd-chain fatty acids. Succinyl CoA serves as a precursor in heme synthesis. It is also required for the oxidation of ketone bodies. Succinyl CoA is used as a substrate to study the specificity and kinetics of enzymes such as acetate:succinate CoA-transferase and 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALA synthase).