An important mechanism that controls metabolic pathways under physiological conditions isSelect one:A. genetic control.B. positive feedback.C. negative feedback.D. signal transduction.
The correct answer is C
C. negative feedback.
Negative feedback is an important mechanism that controls metabolic pathways under physiological conditions. In negative feedback, the end product of a metabolic pathway acts as a feedback molecule that inhibits or suppresses the activity of an enzyme or a series of enzymes earlier in the pathway. This helps to maintain a balance and regulate metabolic reactions within the cell.
The regulation of metabolic pathways through negative feedback is often essential for maintaining homeostasis and preventing excessive accumulation of specific molecules or metabolites. When the concentration of a particular end product reaches a certain threshold, it can bind to an allosteric site on the regulatory enzyme, causing a conformational change that inhibits the enzyme’s activity. This inhibition decreases the flow through the pathway and prevents overproduction of the end product.
By inhibiting the activity of key enzymes, negative feedback ensures that metabolic pathways are only activated when necessary and are not constantly running at full capacity. This helps to conserve energy and resources in the cell. Additionally, negative feedback also prevents the accumulation of toxic intermediates that may be produced during metabolic reactions.
Overall, negative feedback plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic balance and preventing dysregulation in living organisms. It allows for precise control and fine-tuning of metabolic pathways, ensuring that essential molecules are produced in the right amounts at the right times.
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