Dicuss how feedback inhibition controls the production of ATP?

ATP production is controlled by regulating enzyme activity at strategic points in catabolism.


A key control point is the third step of glycolysis which is catalyzed by an allosteric enzyme, phosphofructokinase.


The ratio of ATP to ADP or AMP reflects the energy status of the cell, or energy charge. Phosphofructokinase is sensitive to changes in this ratio.


ATP and citric acid are allosteric inhibitors of phosphofructokinase, so when their concentrations rise, the enzyme slows glycolysis. As the rate of glycolysis slows, Krebs cycle also slows since the supply of acetyl CoA is reduced.


ADP or AMP are allosteric activators for phosphofructokinase, so when their concentrations relative to ATP rise, the enzyme speeds up glycolysis which speeds up the Krebs cycle.