Metabolic Pathways and Regulation · USMLE Step 1

Which metabolic sensor kinase becomes activated when cellular AMP/ADP levels are high, promoting catabolic pathways and inhibiting anabolic pathways?

  1. mTOR
  2. Protein kinase A (PKA)
  3. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
  4. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) senses low-energy states via increased AMP/ADP, and activates processes that generate ATP (like fatty-acid oxidation) while inhibiting energy-consuming anabolic processes, restoring energy balance.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 19

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