Metabolic Pathways and Regulation · USMLE Step 1

During prolonged fasting, which enzyme is activated to promote gluconeogenesis from substrates like lactate or amino acids?

  1. Pyruvate kinase of glycolysis
  2. Glucokinase in the liver
  3. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)
  4. Hexokinase in muscle
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)

PEPCK catalyzes a key step in gluconeogenesis, converting oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate, and is induced during fasting or glucagon stimulation to increase hepatic glucose production.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 19

Practice all 19 Metabolic Pathways and Regulation questions

Keep practicing

More Metabolic Pathways and Regulation questions