Biosc 1000

Lecture 16: Sample Problem Answers

1. For the following example of a branched pathway, propose a feedback-inhibition scheme
that would result in the production of equal amounts of Y and Z.

Each final product should inhibit the first unique step toward its synthesis, the first step
following the branch point of the pathway. Y could inhibit the C D step, Z could inhibit
the C F step, and C could inhibit A B. This scheme is an example of sequential
feedback inhibition. Alternatively, Y could inhibit C D, Z could inhibit C F, and the
step A B would be inhibited only in the presence of both Y and Z. This scheme is called
concerted feedback inhibition.
2. Trace the flow of nitrogen from atmospheric N2 to glutamine.

N2

Nitrogenase
Complex

NH3/NH4+

Glutamate
Dehydrogenase

glutamate

Glutamine
Synthetase

glutamine

3. Amidotransferases are inhibited by the antibiotic and antitumor agent azaserine, which is
an analog of glutamine. Which intermediates in purine biosynthesis would accumulate in
cells treated with azaserine?
PRPP and formylglycinamide robonucleotide
4. Human beings contain two different carbamoyl phosphate synthetase enzymes. One uses
glutamine as a substrate, whereas the other uses ammonia. What are the functions of
these two enzymes?
The enzyme that uses ammonia synthesizes carbamoyl phosphate for a reaction with
ornithine, the first step of the urea cycle. The enzyme that uses glutamine synthesizes
carbamoyl phosphate for use in the first step of pyrimidine biosynthesis.

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Biosc 1000

5. Glutamate is an important neurotransmitter whose levels must be carefully regulated in

the brain. Explain how a high concentration of ammonia might disrupt the regulation.
How might a high concentration of ammonia alter the citric acid cycle?
Ammonia could lead to the amination of -ketoglutarate, producing a high concentration
of glutamate in an unregulated fashion. The -ketoglutarate needed for glutamate
synthesis could be removed from the CAC, thereby diminishing the cells respiration
capacity.

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