The intermediates in the cycle give precursors for various biosynthetic pathways. An instance is as given below:
- From citrate synthesis of fatty acids;
- Amino acid synthesis subsequent transmission of α-ketoglutarate;
- Synthesis of the pyrimidine and the purine nucleotides from oxaloacetate and α-ketoglutarate;
- Oxaloacetate can be changed to glucose by gluconeogenesis;
- Succinyl CoA is a middle intermediate in the synthesis of the porphyrin ring of heme groups.