Question

A hypothetical three-step metabolic pathway consists of intermediates W, X, Y, and Z and enzymes A, B, and C. Deduce the order of the enzymatic steps in the pathway from the following information: 1. Compound Q, a metabolic inhibitor of enzyme B, causes Z to build up. 2. A mutant in enzyme C requires Y for growth. 3. An inhibitor of enzyme A causes W, Y, and Z to accumulate. 4. Compound P, a metabolic inhibitor of enzyme C, causes W and Z to build up.

Answer 1

Answer:

The order would be (Z)→b→( W)→c→(Y)→ a→(X).

Explanation:

1) If a compound Q, a metabolic inhibitor of enzyme B causes Z to build up, it indicates that Z is a substrate of enzyme B because it's inhibition causing the accumulation of substrate Z.

2) If the A mutant in enzyme C requires Y for growth, it indicates that Y is the product of enzyme C because when Y accumulation occurs in cell it causes mutation in the enzyme C by negative feedback to block the further production of product Y.

3) If An inhibitor of enzyme A causes W, Y, and Z to accumulate, it indicates that that the inhibitor of enzyme A  inhibited the enzyme A after causing the accumulation of intermediates

4) If Compound P, a metabolic inhibitor of enzyme C, causes W and Z to build up it indicates that as W and Z intermediates come before enzyme C action, So  the accumulation of W and Z is caused.