Question

A mechanism by which a final product inhibits an earlier enzymatic step in its pathway is known as ___________ inhibition.

Answer 1

Feedback inhibition is the mechanism by which the final product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in that pathway to regulate production and maintain balance within the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

A mechanism by which a final product inhibits an earlier enzymatic step in its pathway is known as feedback inhibition. This biological process involves a series of reactions catalyzed by multiple enzymes, with the final product of the pathway potentially inhibiting an upstream process to prevent overproduction.

For example, if substance E accumulates in a cell, indicating that the metabolic needs are met, it can bind to enzyme 1 and induce a conformational change, known as allosteric inhibition, thereby slowing down or halting its own further production. This is an important regulatory mechanism in cells to manage the balance of metabolic pathways and ensure efficient use of resources.

Answer 2

Feedback inhibition is a biological regulation mechanism where the end product of a metabolic pathway binds noncompetitively to an enzyme earlier in the pathway, decreasing enzyme activity and thus, regulating the production of itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

A mechanism by which a final product inhibits an earlier enzymatic step in its pathway is known as feedback inhibition. This is a crucial regulatory mechanism in cells ensuring that resources are not wasted by producing too much of a substance when it is already abundant.

During feedback inhibition, the end product of a metabolic pathway binds to an enzyme earlier in the pathway in a noncompetitive manner, meaning it binds to a site other than the enzyme's active site, commonly known as the allosteric site, causing a conformational change that decreases the enzyme's activity.

In a well-regulated cell, this serves as part of allosteric control, which manages the rates of both anabolic (constructive) and catabolic (destructive) metabolic pathways, adjusting the cell's responses based on the levels of specific products. The analogy of a factory assembly line is helpful to understand this process: Just as workers would slow down if they noticed that the final product was accumulating, enzymes slow or halt their activity when the end product is in excess, conserving resources and maintaining balance.