The isomerization of citrate to isocitrate
A)is the reaction of the citric acid cycle that occurs spontaneously without enzymatic catalysis.
B)protects cells from the toxic effects of arsenite ion.
C)converts a tertiary alcohol,which cannot easily be oxidized,to a secondary alcohol that can be oxidized.
D)is one major regulatory step for the citric acid cycle because it functions as a rate limiting step.
E)A and B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The isomerization of citrate to isocitrate involves the conversion of a tertiary alcohol (in citrate), which is difficult to oxidize, to a secondary alcohol (in isocitrate), which can be more easily oxidized. This step is catalyzed by the enzyme aconitase and is crucial for the subsequent steps in the citric acid cycle where isocitrate is further oxidized.

The Isomerization of Citrate to Isocitrate