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Multiple Choice
The synthesis of a repressible enzyme is stopped by the:
A
presence of a competitive inhibitor
B
binding of an allosteric activator
C
accumulation of the end product
D
absence of the substrate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a repressible enzyme: A repressible enzyme is part of a biochemical pathway where its synthesis is regulated by feedback inhibition. This means the production of the enzyme is controlled by the concentration of the end product of the pathway.
Learn about feedback inhibition: Feedback inhibition occurs when the end product of a metabolic pathway accumulates and binds to a regulatory site on an enzyme or a repressor protein, effectively stopping further synthesis of the enzyme or pathway activity.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each option in the context of repressible enzyme regulation. For example, the presence of a competitive inhibitor affects enzyme activity but does not directly stop enzyme synthesis. Similarly, the binding of an allosteric activator typically enhances enzyme activity rather than stopping synthesis.
Focus on the correct mechanism: The accumulation of the end product is the key factor that halts the synthesis of a repressible enzyme. This is because the end product acts as a signal to the cell that enough of the product has been made, triggering feedback inhibition.
Conclude the reasoning: The absence of the substrate does not directly stop the synthesis of the enzyme; it only affects the enzyme's ability to catalyze reactions. Therefore, the correct answer is the accumulation of the end product, as it directly regulates enzyme synthesis through feedback inhibition.