In the Citric Acid Cycle, the conversion of fumarate to malate is catalyzed by which enzyme?

The conversion of fumarate to malate in the Citric Acid Cycle is specifically catalyzed by an enzyme known as fumarase. This enzyme facilitates the hydration reaction where fumarate, a double-bonded alkene, is converted into malate, which contains a hydroxyl group. The reaction involves the addition of a water molecule (H2O), leading to the transformation of the fumarate substrate into malate.

Fumarase plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of the Citric Acid Cycle by enabling the conversion of fumarate to malate, which is then further oxidized to regenerate oxaloacetate, allowing the cycle to progress smoothly. The precise action of fumarase is vital for the overall metabolic pathways that rely on the efficiency of the Citric Acid Cycle for energy production. Understanding the specific enzymes involved in each step helps illuminate the cycle's intricate biochemical processes.