Biosynthetic pathways:

The intermediates in the cycle provide precursors for several biosynthetic pathways. An instance are as given below:

-  from citrate synthesis of fatty acids;

-  amino acid synthesis subsequent transamination  of α-ketoglutarate;

-  synthesis of  the pyrimidine and the purine  nucleotides  from  oxaloacetate and α-ketoglutarate;

-oxaloacetate can be converted to glucose through gluconeogenesis;

-succinyl CoA is a middle intermediate in the synthesis of the porphyrin ring of heme groups.