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Intermediate Metabolism of Carbohydrates

Nature volume 138, pages 288–289 (1936)Cite this article

Abstract

WE have found some new chemical reactions in living cells which represent steps in the breakdown of carbohydrates. Pyruvic acid, if added to animal tissues, disappears rapidly not only in the presence, but also in the absence of oxygen. In the presence of oxygen the end-products of the pyruvic acid metabolism are known to be carbon dioxide and water. We find that the primary steps of the oxidation proceed in the absence of molecular oxygen, and as products of the anærobic oxidation the following substances were identified: (1) acetic acid, (2) carton dioxide, (3) succinic acid.

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References

  1. See also A. Szent-Györgyi, Z. physiol. Chem., 236, 1 (1935).

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  2. See also M. Jowett and J. H. Quastel, Biochem. J., 25, 2181 (1935).

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  3. R. A. Peters, Lancet, May 23, 1936.

  4. P. E. Simola, Suomen Kem., 9, B, 4 (1936).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, University, Sheffield,

    H. A. KREBS

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  1. H. A. KREBS
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KREBS, H. Intermediate Metabolism of Carbohydrates. Nature 138, 288–289 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/138288b0

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