Which compound is formed during the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate?

During the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate, alpha-ketoglutarate is formed. This reaction is a crucial step in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), where isocitrate, a six-carbon compound, undergoes enzymatic conversion through the action of isocitrate dehydrogenase.

In this process, isocitrate is oxidized, leading to the reduction of NAD+ to NADH, and a carbon dioxide molecule is released. This transformation reduces the six-carbon isocitrate into a five-carbon compound known as alpha-ketoglutarate. The decarboxylation component of the reaction illustrates how carbon dioxide is removed during the metabolic pathways, demonstrating a pivotal step in energy production. The formation of alpha-ketoglutarate not only continues the cycle but also connects to various metabolic pathways, underscoring its importance in cellular respiration and energy metabolism.