What is the primary role of allosteric enzymes in metabolic pathways?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the primary role of allosteric enzymes in metabolic pathways?
To catalyze irreversible reactions
To provide feedback inhibition
To enhance substrate binding
To stabilize the transition state
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the primary role of allosteric enzymes in metabolic pathways?
Step 1: Understand that allosteric enzymes are special proteins that help control chemical reactions in the body.
Step 2: Learn that these enzymes can change their shape when certain molecules bind to them.
Step 3: Recognize that when the product of a reaction builds up, it can bind to the allosteric enzyme.
Step 4: Realize that this binding can slow down or stop the enzyme's activity, which is called feedback inhibition.
Step 5: Conclude that by regulating the activity of these enzymes, the body can control the flow of metabolic pathways based on how much product is present.
