Enzyme of Pathway common to Glu- coneogenesis
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of gluconeogenesis, a metabolic pathway that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This pathway is crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting or starvation. The enzyme in question is a key regulator of this process.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Pyruvate Carboxylase (PC). Pyruvate carboxylase is a biotin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate, a critical step in gluconeogenesis. This reaction bypasses the irreversible step of the glycolytic pathway, allowing gluconeogenesis to proceed. Pyruvate carboxylase is activated by acetyl-CoA, which is a key regulatory mechanism that links gluconeogenesis to the availability of energy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option B:** Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase is an enzyme involved in gluconeogenesis, but it is not the correct answer. It catalyzes the conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to fructose-6-phosphate, a step downstream of Pyruvate Carboxylase.
* **Option C:** Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK) is another enzyme involved in gluconeogenesis, but it is not the correct answer. PEPCK catalyzes the conversion of oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate, a step downstream of Pyruvate Carboxylase.
* **Option D:** Aldolase is an enzyme involved in glycolysis and glycogenolysis, but it is not relevant to gluconeogenesis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pyruvate Carboxylase is a critical enzyme in gluconeogenesis, and its activity is increased in response to fasting or starvation. This is why patients with PC deficiency, a rare genetic disorder, have impaired glucose production and may develop hypoglycemia.
**Correct Answer:** C. Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK)