Citrate Synthase (E.C. 4.1.3.7) is a homodimeric enzyme which is used in the acquisition of energy
in almost all living things. In eukaryotic systems the enzyme is located in the inner
matrix membrane of the mitochondria. Citrate Synthase catalyzes the first step of the Tri Carboxylic
Acid (TCA) cycle: the condensation of oxaloacetate and acetyl coenzyme A to form citrate.
Since citrate synthase is critical for the progression of the TCA Cycle, electron transport also relies heavily
upon it. Making it a crucial link in the mechanism by which organisms from bacteria to humans
receive energy from the sun. This website deals with the structure, function, and other inherent
properties of citrate synthase. As will be shown by this research paper, key residues
found in the enzyme superstructure hold and process substrates for biomolecular
synthesis. If enzyme is mutated in a way that changes the position or identity of
the active site residues, citrate synthase will be rendered useless, bringing metabolism
to a halt.
Below is a spacefilling model of the enzyme substrates, and the product that arises
from the catalyzed reaction.
