Question

Amino acids are synthesized from

• A. $\mathrm{\alpha }$-Ketoglutaric acid
• B. Pyrrole
• C. Succinic acid
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

$\mathrm{\alpha }$-Ketoglutaric acid

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Most amino acids are synthesized from α-Ketoglutarate, an intermediate found in the TCA (Citric Cycle).
2. Example: - Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate are synthesized from keto acids called pyruvate, oxaloacetate, and α-ketoglutarate respectively.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option B:

1. Pyrrole is a heterocyclic aromatic compound used in pharmaceutical industries.
2. It has anti-bacterial, anti-tumour, anti-malarial, and more biological activities.
3. By treatment of furan with ammonia in the presence of solid acid catalysts, like SiO₂ and Al₂O_3, pyrrole can be prepared.

Option C:

1. Succinic acid is an organic acid that acts as a precursor for the formation of solvents, perfumes, and dyes.
2. Succinic acid was first obtained as a distillation product of amber (Latin: succumb), for which it is named.
3. The common method of synthesis of succinic acid is the catalytic hydrogenation of maleic acid or its anhydride.
4. It is used in certain drug compounds, in agricultural and food production, and in manufacturing.

Option D:

Amino acids are produced from α-Ketoglutarate and not from Pyrrole or Succinic acid.

Final answer: Amino acids are synthesized from α-Ketoglutarate.