Malic Enzyme

Malic Enzyme (officially named malate dehydrogenase-decarboxylating: NADP+) catalyzes the reaction below.

> Pyruvate + HCO 3- + NADPH + H+ <=> L-Malate + NADP+ + H 2O

This important anaplerotic reaction provides a means of replenishing L-malate in the citric acid cycle (Figure 14.18) and it also plays an important role in the citrate shuttle (Figure 18.31).

See also: Citric Acid Cycle, Anaplerotic Reaction, Citrate Shuttle