The conversion of citrate to isocitrate by the enzyme aconitase is best described as ______ reaction consisting of a ________ followed by a ________.
A)isomerization; oxidation; reduction
B)isomerization; hydration; dehydration
C)isomerization; dehydration; hydration
D)group transfer; dehydroxylation; hydroxylation
E)group transfer; hydroxylation; dehydroxylation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conversion of citrate to isocitrate is an example of an isomerization reaction, as aconitase catalyzes the conversion of the cis-aconitate intermediate to isocitrate through a dehydration step followed by a hydration step. Therefore, option C, which describes an isomerization reaction consisting of a dehydration step followed by a hydration step, is the best choice. Option B describes an isomerization reaction but with hydration preceding dehydration, which is not the case for aconitase-catalyzed conversion. Options A, D, and E, on the other hand, do not accurately describe the process of the citrate-to-isocitrate conversion.

The Conversion of Citrate to Isocitrate by the Enzyme Aconitase