What byproduct is produced during the conversion of arginosuccinate to arginine in the urea cycle?

During the conversion of arginosuccinate to arginine in the urea cycle, fumarate is produced as a byproduct. The enzyme that catalyzes this reaction is arginosuccinate lyase. In this process, arginosuccinate is split into two products: arginine and fumarate. Fumarate is an intermediary that can enter the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), where it can be further metabolized for energy production.

The role of fumarate in the urea cycle is significant because it highlights how the cycle connects to other metabolic pathways, such as the citric acid cycle, allowing the body to efficiently utilize various substrates and manage nitrogen waste. Understanding this reaction is crucial for appreciating the integration of nitrogen metabolism with energy production.