CITRATE SYNTHASE Meaning and
Definition
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Citrate synthase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, particularly in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. It is a key regulatory enzyme that catalyzes the condensation reaction between acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate, resulting in the formation of citrate. This reaction is the first step in the citric acid cycle.
The enzyme citrate synthase is present in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, as well as in prokaryotic cells. It has a central role in metabolism as it initiates the citric acid cycle, which is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy-rich molecules such as ATP.
The catalytic activity of citrate synthase is highly regulated to maintain the appropriate balance of energy production within the cell. Various factors can influence its activity, including the concentration of reactants, the presence of allosteric regulators like NADH and succinyl-CoA, and the availability of cofactors such as magnesium ions.
In addition to its role in energy metabolism, citrate synthase is also utilized as a marker enzyme in various fields. It is commonly measured in clinical laboratories to assess mitochondrial dysfunction, as its activity can indicate alterations in mitochondrial function and cellular health.
Overall, citrate synthase is a fundamental enzyme involved in cellular respiration, participating in the initial step of the citric acid cycle and contributing to the production of ATP, which is vital for the energy needs of cells.
Common Misspellings for CITRATE SYNTHASE
- xitrate synthase
- vitrate synthase
- fitrate synthase
- ditrate synthase
- cutrate synthase
- cjtrate synthase
- cktrate synthase
- cotrate synthase
- c9trate synthase
- c8trate synthase
- cirrate synthase
- cifrate synthase
- cigrate synthase
- ciyrate synthase
- ci6rate synthase
- ci5rate synthase
- citeate synthase
- citdate synthase
- citfate synthase
- cittate synthase
Etymology of CITRATE SYNTHASE
The word "citrate synthase" is derived from the combination of two terms: "citrate" and "synthase".
1. Citrate: The term "citrate" dates back to the 19th century and is derived from the Latin word "citrus", meaning "lemon" or "lime". The word "citrus" was used to refer to citrus fruits that are rich in citric acid. Citric acid was first isolated in 1784 from the juice of lemons and citrus fruits. The term "citrate" specifically refers to the salt or ester of citric acid.
2. Synthase: The word "synthase" is derived from the Greek words "syn", meaning "together", and "thasis", meaning "production" or "putting".
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