Isocitrate Lyase

Isocitrate lyase is an enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle that catalyzes the reaction below:

> Isocitrate <=> Succinate + Glyoxylate

This enzyme, which is present in plants and bacteria, allows for net syntheis of glucose using a two-carbon source, such as acetyl-CoA from breakdown of fatty acids. Because animals do not have isocitrate lyase, they cannot synthesize glucose in net amounts from fat.

See also: Glyoxylate Cycle, Glyoxylate Cycle Enzymes, Figure 14.20

INTERNET LINK: Glyoxylate Cycle Metabolism