In the glycolytic pathway, the enzyme triose phosphate isomerase catalyzes the c

Question

In the glycolytic pathway, the enzyme triose phosphate isomerase catalyzes the conversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, which is then immediately utilized by glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase to continue through glycolysis. In an experimental cell culture model, inhibition of triose phosphate isomerase leads to cell death under anaerobic conditions. These cells survive, however under aerobic conditions. Please explain these findings. In your answer consider the energy production in aerobic vs anaerobic metabolism. Please be brief.

Explanation / Answer

During the process of aerobic metabolism glyceraldehyde 3- phosphate by the enzyme glyceraldehyde 3- phosphate dehydrogenase make 1,3 bisphosphoglycerate.This is an energy rich substrate the NAD+ provide the electrons for the reaction and gets itself reduced to NADH + H+.But this reaction only takes place under aerobic condition only.The Formation of NADH provides with 2.5 ATP extra in case of aerobic metabolism.

During the case of anaerobic metabolism NADH formation does not take place in the absence of oxygen.The energy yield for one molecule of glucose in Glycolysis is 2 ATP and 2 NADH.Hence Glycolysis in the presence of oxygen yield 7 ATP . Glycolysis in the absence of oxygen produce only 2 ATP as a result of substrate level phosphorylation.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.