Question

what does the citrate synthasis prevent the wasetful hydrolysis of acetyl CoA to acetate and CoA?

Answer 1

Answer:

The condensation of oxaloacetate and acetyl CoA proceeds through an enol intermediate. The subsequent hydrolysis of citryl CoA yields citrate and CoA. We can now understand how the wasteful hydrolysis of acetyl CoA is prevented. Citrate synthase is well suited to hydrolyze citryl CoA but not acetyl CoA.