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An acidic amino acid with the formula HOOCCH2CH(NH2)COOH. It is formed by a transamination, in which the amino group of glutamic acid is transferred to oxaloacetic acid so forming aspartic acid. Breakdown is by the reverse reaction, followed by further oxidation in the TCA cycle. Aspartate is an important precursor of nitrogenous compounds. The amino acids leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine, and lysine all derive from aspartic acid, and it is necessary for synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and porphyrins. Aspartate also acts as an amino-group donor in several reactions.
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