Aconitase is an enzyme of the citric acid cycle (and glyoxylate cycle) that catalyzes the reaction below (reaction diagram):

Citrate <=> D-Isocitrate ( = +6.3 kJ/mol).

The reaction is interesting in that the starting compound, citrate, has an axis of symmetry, yet a stereospecific product, D-isocitrate, is produced. This arises from the fact that aconitase has an asymmetric binding site for citrate (see stereospecificity link below as well).

Aconitase is inhibited by fluorocitrate.

Next enzyme of citric acid cycle / Previous enzyme of citric acid cycle

1. Glyoxylate Cycle Metabolism

2. Citric Acid Cycle