In order to increase the overall rate of a metabolic pathway consisting of five reactions catalyzed by five different enzymes, which must occur?
A) increasing the reaction rate of all five enzymes
B) increasing the reaction rate of the fastest enzyme
C) increasing the reaction rate of the slowest enzyme
D) increasing the reaction rate of the first enzyme in the pathway
E) increasing the reaction rate of the last enzyme in the pathway

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of a metabolic pathway is limited by the slowest enzyme, also known as the rate-limiting enzyme. Therefore, increasing the reaction rate of the slowest enzyme will have the greatest effect on the overall rate of the pathway. Increasing the reaction rate of all five enzymes or just the fastest or first or last enzyme will not have as significant an effect on the overall rate.

In Order to Increase the Overall Rate of a Metabolic