Substrate level phosphorylation is catalysed by which enzyme?
**Core Concept**
Substrate level phosphorylation is a type of metabolic reaction where a high-energy phosphate bond is formed directly from the substrate, rather than through the electron transport chain. This process is crucial in energy production, particularly in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. The enzyme responsible for this reaction plays a vital role in generating ATP from ADP.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **Pyruvate Kinase**. Pyruvate kinase is a key enzyme in glycolysis, catalyzing the final step of this metabolic pathway. During this reaction, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is converted to pyruvate, generating one molecule of ATP from ADP. This substrate-level phosphorylation reaction is essential for energy production in the cell.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase - This enzyme is involved in glycolysis but catalyzes a different reaction, converting glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate, generating NADH in the process.
**Option B:** Phosphoglycerate kinase - While this enzyme does catalyze a phosphorylation reaction, it is part of the electron transport chain and generates ATP from ADP using the energy from NADH, rather than substrate-level phosphorylation.
**Option C:** Citrate synthase - This enzyme is involved in the citric acid cycle but catalyzes the condensation of acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate to form citrate, without generating ATP.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects the glycolytic pathway, leading to reduced energy production and accumulation of lactic acid in the body. It is essential to recognize this enzyme's role in substrate-level phosphorylation to understand the clinical implications of its deficiency.
**Correct Answer: C. Citrate synthase.**