Question

Branched pathways require sophisticated regulation. What is the role of cumulative feedback inhibition in regulating branched pathways?

1) It prevents the accumulation of intermediates in the pathway
2) It promotes the synthesis of intermediates in the pathway
3) It increases the rate of reaction in the pathway
4) It decreases the rate of reaction in the pathway

Answer 1

Cumulative feedback inhibition serves as a regulatory mechanism to decrease the rate of reaction in metabolic pathways, preventing unnecessary accumulation of intermediates and saving cellular resources.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of cumulative feedback inhibition in regulating branched pathways is to prevent the wasteful accumulation of intermediates by decreasing the rate of reaction in the pathway. This form of regulation is important in cells for maintaining metabolic balance and preventing the undue synthesis of end products when they are not needed. When an end product of a pathway accumulates, it can bind to an enzyme earlier in the pathway, causing allosteric changes that inhibit the enzyme's activity and slow down the production of subsequent intermediates and end products.

So, for the options provided, the correct role of cumulative feedback inhibition is: 1) It prevents the accumulation of intermediates in the pathway by decreasing the rate of reaction. This ensures that resources are used efficiently and that cells do not become toxic with excess products.