Question

Which biosynthetic process, fatty acid synthesis, polyketide antibiotic synthesis, or both, do the following phrases apply to?

A) Utilizes acyl carrier protein (ACP).
B) Involves the repeated condensation of thioester intermediates.
C) Often occurs in microbial organisms.
D) Produces compounds with diverse biological activities.

Answer 1

Both fatty acid synthesis and polyketide antibiotic synthesis involve the use of ACP, involve repeated condensation steps, and can produce compounds with diverse biological activities. However, polyketide synthesis is especially prevalent in microbial organisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biosynthetic processes of fatty acid synthesis and polyketide antibiotic synthesis share several characteristics, yet also have distinct features. Here's how they relate to the phrases provided:

• A) Utilizes acyl carrier protein (ACP): Both fatty acid synthesis and polyketide synthesis utilize ACP for the transfer of acyl groups.
• B) Involves the repeated condensation of thioester intermediates: This is a step common to both fatty acid synthesis and polyketide synthesis, where building blocks are added in a stepwise fashion.
• C) Often occurs in microbial organisms: Polyketide antibiotics synthesis is seen prominently within microbial organisms, although fatty acid synthesis can also occur in these organisms.
• D) Produces compounds with diverse biological activities: While fatty acid synthesis results in important biomolecules for cell structure and signaling, polyketide synthesis typically generates products like antibiotics and other bioactive compounds.