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(+-)-Malic acid - Reciprocal Net Common Molecule Log in
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(+-)-Malic acid

Malic acid is a compound necessary for photosynthesis.

Chemical Formula: C4H6O5
Layman's explanation: Malate, or Malic acid, is found readily in fruits and in the leaves of C4 and CAM plants as storage for carbon dioxide (CO2). In C4 plants, malate is an intermediate during photosynthesis, while in CAM plants it is used to store the CO2 until the stomata are closed at night. It is also key to the production of ATP by the mitochondria. Oxaloacetate is reduced to malate, which is then transported into the mitochondria. Malic acid is frequently used for flavoring of an assortment of products. It is also used as a drug to assist ATP formation, ensuring proper muscle function at even low oxygen levels.
Keywords: photosynthesis, mitochondria
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