The malate/aspartate shuttle is the principal mechanism for the movement of reducing equivalents (in the form of NADH) from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria. The glycolytic pathway is a primary source of NADH. Within the mitochodria the electrons of NADH can be coupled to ATP production during the process of oxidative phosphorylation. The electrons are "carried" into the mitochondria in the form of malate. Cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) reduces oxaloacetate (OAA) to malate while oxidizing NADH to NAD⁺. Malate then enters the mitochondria where the reverse reaction is carried out by mitochondrial MDH. Movement of mitochondrial OAA to the cytoplasm to maintain this cycle requires it be transaminated to aspartate (Asp) with the amino group being donated by glutamate (Glu). The Asp then leaves the mitochodria and enters the cytoplasm. The deamination of glutamate generates α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) which leaves the mitochondria for the cytoplasm. All the participants in the cycle are present in the proper cellular compartment for the shuttle to function due to concentration dependent movement. When the energy level of the cell rises the rate of mitochondrial oxidation of NADH to NAD⁺ declines and therefore, the shuttle slows. G3PDH is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.