An Important Mechanism That Controls Metabolic Pathways Under Physiological Conditions

Question

An important mechanism that controls metabolic pathways under physiological conditions is
A)positive feedback.
B)signal transduction.
C)negative feedback.
D)genetic control.

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback is the mechanism used to regulate metabolic pathways in response to changes in the environment. It involves the inhibition of the initial step of a pathway by one of the products of the pathway itself, thereby preventing an overabundance of the end product. This feedback mechanism maintains the homeostasis of the organism. A and D are incorrect because positive feedback and genetic control are not involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways in response to physiological conditions. B may be a mechanism that is involved in transmitting signals that affect metabolic pathways, but it is not a mechanism that controls those pathways.