Question

A hypothetical three-step metabolic pathway consists of the intermediates W, X, Y, and Z, and the enzymes that catalyze the reactions A, B, and C. Determine the order of the metabolic pathway and the enzymes that catalyze the reactions based on the following information: 1) An inhibitor of enzyme B causes Z to build up 2) An organism with a mutation in enzyme C requires Y to grow. 3) An inhibitor of enzyme A causes W, Y, and Z to build up. 4) An inhibitor of enzyme C causes W and Z to build up. You MUST provide your answers using capital letters and place the enzymes that catalyze each reaction in between the intermediates (e.g. WAXBYCZ would be the answer if the pathway was W -> X -> Y -> Z and the enzymes A, B, and C catalyze the first, second, and third reactions respectively). Do NOT include spaces!

Answer 1

Answer:

ZBWCYAX

Explanation:

Equation for the intermediates: Z↔W↔Y↔X

1) B catalyzes the breakdown of Z, therefore inhibiting B leads to the build up of Z.

2) If enzyme C is inactive then the organism will not  receive Y to grow, thus Y is a by-product of C.

3) If A is inhibited then W, Y and Z build except for X, thus it make sense that A catalyzes a reaction that leads to X as a by-product.

4) Inhibiting C leads to the reaction toward making Z and W, thus it catalyzes the breakdown of C directly and Z indirectly.