Aconitase (ACO) is an important intracellular ferritin, which is mainly present in the cytoplasm and
mitochondria. ACO catalyzes the reversible reaction of intracellular citric acid to isocitric acid via cis
aconitic acid, which plays an important role in maintaining the success of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and
the glyoxylic acid cycle.
Aconitase can catalyze isocitrate to produce aconitic acid. Cisaconitic acid has a characteristic absorption
peak at 240 nm. The enzyme activity is calculated by measuring the rate of cisaconitic acid production.
Reagents and Equipments Required but Not Provided:
Spectrophotometer, water bath, desk centrifuge, water bath, adjustable transferpettor, ultrasonic cell
pulverizer, 1 mL quartz cuvette, mortar/homogenizer, ice and distilled water.
