The equilibrium constant for the reaction catalyzed by malate dehydrogenase (malate + NAD⁺ ↔ oxaloacetate + NADH + H⁺) is 10−4. However, in vivo, the production of oxaloacetate is favored because of which of the following? A) the buildup of malate results in the formation of succinate B) malate leaves the mitochondrial matrix by a symport carrier along with phosphate C) oxaloacetate cannot cross the mitochondrial membrane and is trapped in the matrix D) oxaloacetate is removed by citrate synthas

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In vivo, the production of oxaloacetate is favored because it is rapidly removed by citrate synthase in the citric acid cycle, driving the reaction forward despite the low equilibrium constant.

The Equilibrium Constant for the Reaction Catalyzed by Malate Dehydrogenase