ISOCITRATASE Meaning and
Definition
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Isocitratase refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of isocitrate, a organic molecule, into oxalosuccinate. This enzyme is part of the larger family of lyases, which are responsible for the breaking of chemical bonds in organic compounds. Isocitratase specifically acts on isocitrate, a key intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, which is crucial for energy production in living organisms.
Isocitratase plays a fundamental role in regulating metabolic processes within the cell. It helps in the efficient utilization of isocitrate, ensuring its effective conversion into oxalosuccinate. This conversion is an essential step in the overall metabolic pathway of the citric acid cycle, ultimately leading to the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells.
The presence of isocitratase is found in various organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Its activity is tightly regulated, allowing for precise control over metabolic flux. Isocitratase is often associated with other enzymes and proteins within the cell to form metabolic complexes, which facilitate the coordination of biochemical reactions in the complex and interconnected network of cellular metabolism.
Understanding the function and regulation of isocitratase is of great interest in various fields, including biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine. Investigating this enzyme's role can provide insights into cellular metabolism, potential therapeutic targets for diseases related to metabolic dysfunction, and the development of biotechnological applications, such as the optimization of industrial fermentation processes.
Common Misspellings for ISOCITRATASE
- usocitratase
- jsocitratase
- ksocitratase
- osocitratase
- 9socitratase
- 8socitratase
- iaocitratase
- izocitratase
- ixocitratase
- idocitratase
- ieocitratase
- iwocitratase
- isicitratase
- iskcitratase
- islcitratase
- ispcitratase
- is0citratase
- is9citratase
- isoxitratase
- isovitratase
Etymology of ISOCITRATASE
The word "isocitratase" is derived from the combination of two main components: "iso-" and "citratase".
- The prefix "iso-" in biology and chemistry often refers to an isomer or an isotope. In this case, it indicates that the enzyme acts on an isomer of citrate.
- "Citratase" comes from the word "citrate", which is a salt or an ester of citric acid. "-ase" is a common suffix used for enzymes, indicating that it is an enzyme type.
So, as a whole, "isocitratase" can be understood as an enzyme that specifically acts on an isomer of citrate.
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