Answer to Question #277855 in Biochemistry for Mary Joy

Question

At what point in glycolysis can ATP act as an inhibitor? What kind of enzyme regulation occurs in this inhibition?

Answer 1

Glycolysis is a biochemical pathway through which the body receives energy by breaking down glucose molecules into pyruvate. It is catalyzed by an enzyme called pyruvate kinase. It yields chemical energy in the form of ATP and reduced coenzymes.

Pyruvate kinase plays an important role in the regulation of glycolysis. It is inhibited by ATP and activated by AMP. When the concentration of ATP is greater, it inhibits glycolysis and at times shuts down.

Therefore, when ATP availability is greater, it acts as inhibition in glycolysis. In this inhibition, pyruvate kinase enzyme regulation occurs. This is considered feedback regulation.