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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme catalyzes the conversion of citrate to isocitrate in the citric acid cycle?
A
Aconitase
B
Citrate synthase
C
Isocitrate dehydrogenase
D
Succinate dehydrogenase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
Identify the specific step in the citric acid cycle where citrate is converted to isocitrate. This is an important transformation that involves the rearrangement of atoms within the citrate molecule.
Recognize that the enzyme responsible for this conversion is aconitase. Aconitase catalyzes the reversible isomerization of citrate to isocitrate via the intermediate cis-aconitate.
Understand the role of aconitase in the cycle: it facilitates the dehydration of citrate to form cis-aconitate, followed by the hydration of cis-aconitate to form isocitrate.
Differentiate aconitase from other enzymes listed: Citrate synthase catalyzes the formation of citrate from oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA, Isocitrate dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate, and Succinate dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of succinate to fumarate.