Which enzyme catalyzes the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA?

The enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA is alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the citric acid cycle by facilitating this key step, which involves both the decarboxylation of alpha-ketoglutarate and the transfer of the remaining acyl group to coenzyme A, forming succinyl-CoA.

This step also involves the reduction of NAD+ to NADH, highlighting the important role of this enzyme in energy production and the flow of metabolites through the citric acid cycle. The activity of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase is tightly regulated, as it is influenced by the availability of substrates and the energy needs of the cell.

Understanding the function of this enzyme is essential for grasping how the citric acid cycle contributes to the overall metabolic pathways and cellular respiration.