Question

When an end product of a reaction pathway is in excess and inhibits the first enzyme of the pathway, this is an example of positive feedback.

Select one:
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

Answer 1

The phenomenon where the end product of a reaction pathway inhibits an enzyme at the start of the pathway to prevent excess production is known as negative feedback, specifically called feedback inhibition or allosteric control, not positive feedback.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the end product of a reaction pathway is in excess and inhibits the first enzyme of the pathway, this is an example of a negative feedback mechanism, not positive feedback.

This process is known as feedback inhibition or end product inhibition, which is a form of allosteric control that cells use to regulate metabolic pathways and maintain homeostasis. The excess end product binds allosterically to an enzyme at the start of the pathway, causing a conformational change in the enzyme that decreases its activity, slowing or stopping the pathway and thus preventing the unnecessary accumulation of product.