________ is the intermediate compound between succinate and malate in the citric acid cycle.

The intermediate compound between succinate and malate in the citric acid cycle is fumarate. The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, involves a series of reactions that produce energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

In one specific step of the cycle, succinate is converted to fumarate through the action of the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase. This conversion involves the oxidation of succinate, which contributes to the reduction of FAD to FADH2. Following the formation of fumarate, it is then converted to malate by the enzyme fumarase in a hydration reaction.

Understanding the sequence of these conversions helps clarify how each component fits into the overall pathway of the citric acid cycle, as well as the role of each enzyme. Thus, fumarate is correctly identified as the intermediate between succinate and malate.