Question

Δ-aminolevulinic acid is converted to porphobilinogen via the enzyme Δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (heme synthesis). What is the role of ALAD in heme synthesis?

1) It acts as a catalyst in the conversion process
2) It provides energy for the conversion process
3) It stabilizes the enzyme Δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase
4) It regulates the rate of heme synthesis

Answer 1

ALAD catalyzes the conversion of Δ-aminolevulinic acid to porphobilinogen in heme synthesis, speeding up the process without being consumed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of Δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in heme synthesis is acting as a catalyst in the conversion of Δ-aminolevulinic acid to porphobilinogen. ALAD is a key enzyme in the heme synthesis pathway, and as a catalyst it speeds up the biochemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

The regulation of heme synthesis is mainly controlled by the enzyme ALA synthase, which is inhibited by heme—the end product of the pathway—acting as a feedback inhibitor.