BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

Regarding the metabolism of fructose, its entry into the glycolytic pathway in the liver bypasses a key regulatory step catalyzed by phosphofructokinase (PFK-1). This bypass can result in

A. A slower rate of ATP production from fructose compared to glucose
B. An unregulated flux of carbon into glycolysis, potentially promoting fatty acid synthesis
C. The complete inhibition of glycolysis by negative feedback
D. The accumulation of glycogen phosphorylase in the cytosol

📝 Explanation

Fructose is phosphorylated to fructose-1-phosphate, which is cleaved to glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate, entering glycolysis downstream of PFK-1. This bypasses a critical regulatory checkpoint, allowing a rapid, unregulated influx of carbon that can overload the TCA cycle and lead to increased de novo lipogenesis.

📖 Additional Information

  • A slower rate of ATP production from fructose compared to glucose
  • An unregulated flux of carbon into glycolysis, potentially promoting fatty acid synthesis
  • The complete inhibition of glycolysis by negative feedback
  • The accumulation of glycogen phosphorylase in the cytosol

Fructose is phosphorylated to fructose-1-phosphate, which is cleaved to glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate, entering glycolysis downstream of PFK-1. This bypasses a critical regulatory checkpoint, allowing a rapid, unregulated influx of carbon that can overload the TCA cycle and lead to increased de novo lipogenesis.

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