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Multiple Choice
What is the most likely consequence of an imbalance of certain enzymes in the human body?
A
Complete cessation of cellular respiration
B
Disruption of metabolic pathways, leading to accumulation or deficiency of specific metabolites
C
Increased production of all hormones regardless of their pathway
D
Enhanced stability of all proteins in the body
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of enzymes in the human body. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, including those in metabolic pathways. They are highly specific to their substrates and are essential for maintaining homeostasis.
Step 2: Recognize that an imbalance in enzyme activity can disrupt metabolic pathways. This occurs because enzymes regulate the conversion of substrates into products. If an enzyme is deficient or overactive, it can lead to either an accumulation of substrates or a deficiency of products.
Step 3: Analyze why complete cessation of cellular respiration is unlikely. Cellular respiration involves multiple enzymes and pathways, so while an imbalance may impair certain steps, it is unlikely to completely stop the process unless multiple enzymes are affected simultaneously.
Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options. Increased production of all hormones regardless of their pathway is not a direct consequence of enzyme imbalance, as hormone production is regulated by specific signaling mechanisms. Enhanced stability of all proteins is also unrelated, as enzyme imbalance does not directly affect protein stability.
Step 5: Conclude that the most likely consequence of enzyme imbalance is the disruption of metabolic pathways, leading to the accumulation or deficiency of specific metabolites. This aligns with the correct answer provided in the problem.