Chapter 13, Problem 5P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of experimental evidence that might have led to realization of the cyclic nature of the glyoxylate pathway should be explained.

Concept introduction:

The glyoxylate cycle is generally seen in fungi, plants, and bacteria. The cycle is essential for the generation of two-carbon compound which plays an important role in biosynthesis. The glyoxylate cycle has many similarities with the citric acid cycle except the two decarboxylation reactions. Thus, the two-carbon substrate that enters in the cycle as acetyl-CoA, can be converted into four-carbon compound, which can be processed to form sugars and other essential organic compounds. Although many of the reactions of the glyoxylate cycle has similarities with citric acid cycle, they are catalysed by different isozymes and in different compartments of cell. The glyoxylate cycle takes place in the peroxisome and cytoplasm of the cell.

Pictorial representation:

The overall schematic diagram of the glyoxylate pathway is shown as-

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of glyoxylate pathway.