High School

You are studying a biochemical pathway. Preliminary results suggest that this pathway is subject to end-product repression. This pathway is therefore most likely to be a(n):

A) Anabolic pathway
B) Catabolic pathway
C) Regulatory pathway
D) Feedback inhibition pathway

Answer :

Final answer:

When a biochemical pathway exhibits end-product repression, it is indicative of an anabolic pathway, as this suggests feedback inhibition where the end product controls the pathway to prevent overproduction.

Explanation:

If a biochemical pathway is subject to end-product repression, this suggests that the pathway is regulated through feedback inhibition, where the end product of the pathway inhibits an upstream step. This type of regulation is common in pathways that synthesizes molecules, an indicator of an anabolic pathway. These anabolic pathways are constructive processes where simple substances are combined to form more complex molecules, often requiring energy. By contrast, catabolic pathways are degradative processes that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Therefore, when considering options A) Anabolic pathway B) Catabolic pathway C) Regulatory pathway D) Feedback inhibition pathway, the pathway most likely subject to end-product repression would be A) Anabolic pathway.

Figure 6.21 and other referenced figures indicate that metabolic pathways involve a series of reactions catalyzed by multiple enzymes, and the regulation through feedback inhibition is a crucial aspect ensuring cells do not overproduce certain substances. This is exemplified by the binding of isoleucine to Threonine Deaminase in the cited text from Rao et al., at Texas A&M University's Department of Biology, illustrating the inhibitory process in action within an anabolic pathway.