Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency Is a Genetic Condition Resulting from a Mutation

question 66

Multiple Choice

Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a genetic condition resulting from a mutation in the gene coding for one of the enzymes of glycolysis, pyruvate kinase. It mostly affects red blood cells, and leads to irregular morphology of red blood cells and hemolytic anemia. Yet, pyruvate kinase is present in all cells where it catalyzes one step of glycolysis. Which of the following best explain why red blood cells are MOST affected in this disorder?

• A) Defect of glycolysis enzyme leads to lower levels of ATP in red blood cells.
• B) Red blood cells exclusively rely on glycolysis as their ATP source.
• C) Red blood cells cannot produce ATP from beta oxidation of fatty acids.
• D) All of the choices are correct.

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Definitions:

Mechanism

The detailed step-by-step description of how a chemical reaction occurs at the molecular level.

Reaction

A process that results in the chemical transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.

Benzene

A simple aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6, known for its ring structure and stability.

Compound

A substance made up of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions.