ISOCITRATE Meaning and
Definition
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Isocitrate is a term used in biochemistry to refer to an important intermediate compound in the citric acid cycle, also known as the tricarboxylic acid cycle or Krebs cycle. The citric acid cycle is a crucial metabolic pathway that occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, involving the breakdown of carbohydrates and the production of energy-rich molecules.
Specifically, isocitrate is a tricarboxylic acid that is formed by the isomerization of citrate, which is the initial compound of the citric acid cycle. The isomerization occurs via the enzymatic action of aconitase, a key regulatory enzyme involved in the cycle.
Isocitrate then undergoes further transformations within the citric acid cycle, ultimately leading to the production of ATP, carbon dioxide (CO2), and reducing agents such as NADH and FADH2. These molecules play a crucial role in cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells convert glucose and other nutrients into usable energy.
Beyond its role in energy production, isocitrate can also be involved in other biochemical pathways. For example, it can act as a precursor in the synthesis of various amino acids or be converted back to citrate in order to replenish the citric acid cycle.
In summary, isocitrate is an intermediate compound in the citric acid cycle, playing a fundamental role in energy production and other biochemical processes within the cell.
Common Misspellings for ISOCITRATE
- usocitrate
- jsocitrate
- ksocitrate
- osocitrate
- 9socitrate
- 8socitrate
- iaocitrate
- izocitrate
- ixocitrate
- idocitrate
- ieocitrate
- iwocitrate
- isicitrate
- iskcitrate
- islcitrate
- ispcitrate
- is0citrate
- is9citrate
- isoxitrate
- isovitrate
Etymology of ISOCITRATE
The word "isocitrate" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two parts: "iso-" and "citrate".
The prefix "iso-" is derived from the Greek word "isos", meaning "equal" or "same". In chemistry, the prefix "iso-" is commonly used to denote an isomer or a compound with a similar structure to another compound but with certain differences.
The term "citrate" comes from "citric acid", which is a type of acid found in citrus fruits. "Citric acid" is named after the Latin word "citrus", which means "citron tree" or "lemon tree". Citric acid was first isolated from lemons, thus leading to the name.
When these two parts are combined, "isocitrate" refers to a compound that is similar to citrate but possesses certain structural differences.
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