AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Is an Enzyme That Is Activated

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that is activated by high levels of AMP in cells. If levels of AMP are high in cells, that means that levels of ATP are low. Once active, AMPK activates catabolic pathways and inhibits anabolic pathways in the cell. Why do you think that is the case? Choose the answer that best explains the role of AMPK.

A) High levels of AMP indicate that there is a high amount of energy stored in the cell, thus activating catabolic pathways and inhibiting anabolic pathways are mechanisms to use stored energy.
B) By activating catabolic pathways, AMPK provides a mechanism to activate exergonic pathways, which is important if AMP levels are high in the cell.
C) Activating catabolic pathways and inhibiting anabolic pathways will ultimately lead to higher consumption of ATP, which is important if AMP levels are high in the cell.
D) By inhibiting anabolic pathways, AMPK provides a mechanism to generate heat for the cell, which is important if AMP levels are high in the cell.