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ATC is a substance used by cells to make RNA - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 1
ATC is a substance used by cells to make RNA. The cell initially synthesises CTP using a metabolic pathway starting with the amino acid aspartane (A) and another com... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:ATC is a substance used by cells to make RNA - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is the role of ATCase?
Answer
ATCase plays a crucial role in the regulation of pyrimidine synthesis, specifically in the conversion of aspartate and another substrate (B) to form the intermediate compound (D). This step is critical because it initiates the pathway for synthesizing CTP, which is essential for RNA production.
Step 2
Explain how it performs this role.
Answer
ATCase performs this role by catalyzing the first reaction in the CTP synthesis pathway, converting aspartate and the complex molecule (B) into compound (D). It acts as a regulatory enzyme, responding to various metabolic signals to enhance or inhibit its activity, thereby ensuring that the synthesis of CTP occurs at appropriate rates depending on the cell's needs.