Which of the following enzyme does not catalyse the irreversible step in glycolysis
**Core Concept**
Glycolysis is a crucial metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating energy in the form of ATP and NADH. The pathway is divided into two main stages: the irreversible steps that commit glucose to the pathway, and the reversible steps that allow for regulation and fine-tuning. The irreversible steps are catalyzed by specific enzymes that make the pathway one-way.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) is the enzyme that catalyzes the reversible step in glycolysis, converting 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to 3-phosphoglycerate, generating one molecule of ATP in the process. This step is crucial for energy production in the cell. In contrast, the other enzymes listed catalyze irreversible steps in glycolysis. Hexokinase (or glucokinase in the liver) phosphorylates glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, committing glucose to the pathway. Pyruvate kinase catalyzes the final step in glycolysis, converting phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate, generating one molecule of ATP. Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) catalyzes the conversion of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, another irreversible step in the pathway.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Hexokinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the irreversible step of phosphorylating glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, making it an incorrect choice.
**Option C:** Pyruvate kinase is the enzyme that catalyzes the final irreversible step in glycolysis, converting phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate, making it an incorrect choice.
**Option D:** Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) is the enzyme that catalyzes the irreversible step of converting fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, making it an incorrect choice.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the irreversible steps in glycolysis are critical for energy production in the cell. Understanding the enzymes that catalyze these steps is crucial for appreciating the regulation and fine-tuning of glycolysis in various physiological and pathological states.
**β Correct Answer: B. Phosphoglycero kinase**