Metabolic Pathways and Regulation · USMLE Step 1

Which statement best defines a branched metabolic pathway?

  1. A cycle that continuously regenerates its starting substrate
  2. A route that converges several substrates into one product
  3. An intermediate diverges to yield multiple different end-products
  4. A pathway that operates exclusively under anaerobic conditions
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: An intermediate diverges to yield multiple different end-products

In a branched metabolic pathway, an intermediate metabolite can be directed into more than one downstream reaction, producing diverse end-products depending on physiological needs.

Difficulty: Medium Question 12 of 19

Practice all 19 Metabolic Pathways and Regulation questions

Keep practicing

More Metabolic Pathways and Regulation questions