Isocitrate is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which is essential for cellular respiration. It is formed from citrate through the action of the enzyme aconitase. Isocitrate plays a crucial role in energy production by facilitating the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. In the citric acid cycle, isocitrate is further oxidized to form alpha-ketoglutarate, releasing carbon dioxide and generating NADH, an important energy carrier. This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells, highlighting isocitrate's significance in metabolic pathways that sustain life.