Oxoglutarate Dehydrogenase

Why is this oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and not oxoglutarate decarboxylase?

Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and oxoglutarate decarboxylase are two different enzymes involved in different biochemical reactions. The reason why the enzyme in question is called oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and not oxoglutarate decarboxylase is due to the specific reaction it catalyzes and the resulting products.

Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase is part of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle. This cycle is a series of enzymatic reactions that occur in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and the cytosol of prokaryotic cells. It is a key pathway for energy production and a major source of reducing agents for cellular processes

The enzyme oxoglutarate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of oxoglutarate (also known as α-ketoglutarate) into succinyl-CoA as part of the TCA cycle. The reaction involves the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule (decarboxylation) and the transfer of high-energy electrons to a carrier called NAD+

On the other hand, oxoglutarate decarboxylase refers to a different enzyme involved in a distinct biochemical reaction. It catalyzes the decarboxylation of oxoglutarate without the participation of Coenzyme A (CoA) or the transfer of high-energy electrons to NAD+

The nomenclature of enzymes typically reflects the specific reaction they catalyze. In the case of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, the name emphasizes the conversion of oxoglutarate to succinyl-CoA and the involvement of a dehydrogenase enzyme, which mediates the transfer of hydrogen atoms

So, in summary, the enzyme is called oxoglutarate dehydrogenase because it catalyzes the conversion of oxoglutarate to succinyl-CoA and participates in the TCA cycle, which is a part of cellular respiration, whereas oxoglutarate decarboxylase would refer to a different enzyme and reaction

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