Which step in the Glyoxylate Cycle involves isocitrate lyase?

In the Glyoxylate Cycle, isocitrate lyase catalyzes the conversion of isocitrate into glyoxylate. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the unique metabolic pathway that allows certain organisms, such as plants and some bacteria, to convert fatty acids into carbohydrates.

During this specific step, isocitrate is cleaved, yielding glyoxylate and succinate. This reaction is significant because it enables the organism to bypass some of the steps of the citric acid cycle, allowing for the synthesis of glucose from acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acid breakdown. Glyoxylate, produced in this reaction, can then be further converted into malate through subsequent steps in the cycle.

Understanding the role of isocitrate lyase is vital for comprehending how plants and certain microorganisms utilize the glyoxylate cycle for energy production and carbon fixation, especially when glucose is not readily available.