Which enzyme is responsible for the conversion of Acetyl CoA to citric acid in the Krebs cycle?

The enzyme responsible for the conversion of Acetyl CoA to citric acid in the Krebs cycle is citrate synthase. This enzyme catalyzes the condensation of Acetyl CoA and oxaloacetate to form citric acid (also known as citrate). This step is crucial as it initiates the Krebs cycle, allowing for the subsequent series of reactions that lead to the generation of energy through the oxidation of carbon compounds.

Citrate synthase works by facilitating the addition of the two-carbon acetyl group from Acetyl CoA to the four-carbon oxaloacetate, forming the six-carbon compound citrate. This reaction is one of the key regulatory steps in the cycle, ensuring that the path towards energy production is initiated when conditions are appropriate for metabolism.

Through this enzymatic action, citrate is produced, which then undergoes further transformations in the Krebs cycle, ultimately contributing to the production of ATP and other important metabolic intermediates. Understanding the role of citrate synthase is essential in biochemistry, as it highlights the interconnectedness of metabolic pathways and the importance of enzyme regulation in cellular metabolism.