Chapter 16, Problem 8P

Summary Introduction

To determine: The reaction involved in the conversion of isocitrate into α- ketoglutarate.

Introduction:

Citric acid cycle is a chain of redox reactions to produce some amount of energy. Citric acid cycle takes place in multiple steps; the third step of the cycle is the conversion of isocitrate into α- ketoglutarate. Oxidative decarboxylation of the isocitrate takes place which produces α- ketoglutarate.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The role of cofactor in the chemical reaction of conversion of isocitrate into α- ketoglutarate.

Introduction:

Every enzyme present in the cell catalyzes the reactions of the cell. There is a non protein part that is associated with the enzyme, which is called a cofactor or prosthetic group. These cofactors are responsible for the proper functioning of the enzymes. Enzyme cannot perform in the absence of cofactors.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Similar reactions of citric acid cycle with the conversion of isocitrate into α- ketoglutarate.

Introduction:

Conversion of isocitrate into α- ketoglutarate is a decarboxylation process and it occurs in the presence of the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase. This enzyme reduces isocitrate to yield α- ketoglutarate. This reaction is the third step of the citric acid cycle, the similar reactions may take place in the whole cycle.