ISOCITRASE Meaning and
Definition
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Isocitrase is an enzyme belonging to the lyase class of enzymes, specifically an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transformation of isocitrate to 2-oxoglutarate and CO2. It is a key enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, which is a central metabolic pathway occurring in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
Isocitrase plays a crucial role in the TCA cycle as it is involved in the oxidation of isocitrate, an intermediate metabolite, into 2-oxoglutarate, one of the main products of the cycle. This reaction releases CO2 as a byproduct. The enzyme operates through a two-step process, first carrying out the isomerization of isocitrate to an intermediate called cis-aconitate and then decarboxylating the intermediate to produce 2-oxoglutarate.
The activity of isocitrase is vital for the efficient functioning of the TCA cycle, as it not only contributes to the generation of energy in the form of ATP but also serves as a precursor for other important metabolic pathways. Moreover, its reversible nature allows the TCA cycle to adapt to varying metabolic demands by providing an alternative route for the synthesis of isocitrate when required.
Overall, isocitrase is an essential enzyme in cellular metabolism, facilitating the proper operation of the TCA cycle by catalyzing the conversion of isocitrate to 2-oxoglutarate and CO2. Its activity ensures the efficient utilization of nutrients and the generation of energy for cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for ISOCITRASE
- usocitrase
- jsocitrase
- ksocitrase
- osocitrase
- 9socitrase
- 8socitrase
- iaocitrase
- izocitrase
- ixocitrase
- idocitrase
- ieocitrase
- iwocitrase
- isicitrase
- iskcitrase
- islcitrase
- ispcitrase
- is0citrase
- is9citrase
- isoxitrase
- isovitrase
Etymology of ISOCITRASE
The word "isocitrase" is derived from the combination of two terms: "isocitrate" and "ase".
1. Isocitrate: It comes from the Greek words "isos" meaning "equal" and "khitra" meaning "to sow" or "to spread". It refers to a compound called isocitric acid or isocitrate, which is an intermediate molecule in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle) - a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of cells to generate energy.
2. Ase: It is a suffix commonly used in biology and chemistry to denote an enzyme. It comes from the Greek word "asis" meaning "enzyme" or "ferment".
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