Why Does the Moeller Decarboxylase Base Medium Contain Glucose If

question 8

Multiple Choice

Why does the Moeller decarboxylase base medium contain glucose if it is testing the decarboxylation of amino acids?

• A) The decarboxylation of the amino acids takes place during the glucose metabolic pathway. Once glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid, then the amino acid is modified.
• B) To get the energy needed to take the carboxyl group off the amino acid, the bacteria must have glucose.
• C) When glucose is fermented, one of the by-products is acetoin. This acetoin is part of the mechanism that cleaves the carboxyl group from the specific amino acid.
• D) Decarboxylases are inducible enzymes produced in an acid pH.

---

Definitions:

Reposition

The act of placing or arranging someone or something in a new or different position.

Eye Shields

Protective devices worn over the eyes to prevent injury or shield from bright light or harmful particles.

Phenylalanine Hydroxylase

An enzyme that converts the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine, its deficiency can lead to phenylketonuria.

PKU

Phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder characterized by the inability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, leading to harmful levels in the body unless managed with a special diet.