Biochemistry · Vitamins (Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble, Deficiencies)

Biotin serves as a CO2 carrier in carboxylase reactions. Which of the following enzymes does NOT require biotin?

  • A Pyruvate carboxylase
  • B Acetyl-CoA carboxylase
  • C Pyruvate dehydrogenase
  • D Propionyl-CoA carboxylase
Correct answer: C. Pyruvate dehydrogenase

Explanation

Biotin is the prosthetic group of four mammalian carboxylases: pyruvate carboxylase (oxaloacetate synthesis), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (malonyl-CoA synthesis for fatty acid synthesis), propionyl-CoA carboxylase (methylmalonyl-CoA synthesis), and 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (leucine catabolism). Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is an alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex requiring TPP, lipoic acid, CoA, FAD and NAD+ — it does not require biotin. PDH converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA (with CO2 release as decarboxylation, not carboxylation). Biotin deficiency causes defects in all four carboxylase reactions, presenting with dermatitis, alopecia, ataxia and organic aciduria.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 23,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More Vitamins (Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble, Deficiencies) MCQs

See all Vitamins (Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble, Deficiencies) MCQs →