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All questions of Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis & Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Principle of Metabolic Regulation (BIO, BC) for MCAT Exam

Which enzyme catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, converting phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate?
  • a)
    Phosphoglycerate kinase
  • b)
    Pyruvate kinase
  • c)
    Hexokinase
  • d)
    Aldolase
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Emma Smith answered
Enzyme in Glycolysis
In glycolysis, the final step involves the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate, and this reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate kinase.
Role of Pyruvate Kinase
- Catalytic Function: Pyruvate kinase facilitates the transfer of a phosphate group from PEP to ADP, resulting in the formation of ATP and pyruvate.
- Irreversible Reaction: This step is considered irreversible and is a key regulatory point in glycolysis.
Significance of the Reaction
- Energy Production: The conversion of PEP to pyruvate is crucial because it generates ATP, providing energy for cellular processes.
- Metabolic Pathway Transition: Pyruvate serves as a vital intermediate that can enter the citric acid cycle or be converted into lactate under anaerobic conditions.
Comparison with Other Enzymes
- Phosphoglycerate Kinase: This enzyme acts earlier in glycolysis, converting 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to 3-phosphoglycerate, also generating ATP but not at the final step.
- Hexokinase: This enzyme catalyzes the first step of glycolysis, converting glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, which is far from the final step.
- Aldolase: This enzyme is involved in splitting fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into two three-carbon sugars but does not participate in the final conversion to pyruvate.
Conclusion
In summary, pyruvate kinase is essential for the final step of glycolysis, converting phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate while producing ATP, making it a key enzyme in cellular metabolism.

In which part of the cell does glycolysis take place?
  • a)
    Nucleus
  • b)
    Mitochondria
  • c)
    Cytosol
  • d)
    Ribosomes
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol, where the enzymes necessary for the pathway are located, facilitating the breakdown of glucose.

What is the end product of glycolysis under anaerobic conditions?
  • a)
    Acetyl-CoA
  • b)
    Pyruvate
  • c)
    Lactate
  • d)
    Alcohol
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Under anaerobic conditions, the end product of glycolysis is lactate, formed when pyruvate is reduced to regenerate NAD+.

How many ATP molecules are produced from one molecule of glucose during glycolysis under aerobic conditions?
  • a)
    2 ATP
  • b)
    4 ATP
  • c)
    6 ATP
  • d)
    8 ATP
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Under aerobic conditions, a total of 8 ATP can be generated from one molecule of glucose during glycolysis, including those produced from NADH that enters the electron transport chain.

Which of the following is an allosteric inhibitor of phosphofructokinase?
  • a)
    Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate
  • b)
    ADP
  • c)
    ATP
  • d)
    AMP
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
ATP acts as an allosteric inhibitor of phosphofructokinase, signaling that the cell has sufficient energy and reducing the enzyme's activity.

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