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

Biotin deficiency causes alopecia, dermatitis, and neurological symptoms. Biotin serves as a prosthetic group for carboxylases. Which enzyme is NOT biotin-dependent?

  • A Pyruvate carboxylase — IS biotin-dependent
  • B Acetyl-CoA carboxylase — IS biotin-dependent
  • C Transcarboxylase — IS biotin-dependent; the enzyme NOT biotin-dependent among the choices is pyruvate decarboxylase (part of PDH), which uses TPP not biotin
  • D Propionyl-CoA carboxylase — IS biotin-dependent
Correct answer: C. Transcarboxylase — IS biotin-dependent; the enzyme NOT biotin-dependent among the choices is pyruvate decarboxylase (part of PDH), which uses TPP not biotin

Explanation

Pyruvate decarboxylase (E1 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex) uses thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), not biotin. Biotin-dependent carboxylases in humans include: pyruvate carboxylase (pyruvate → OAA), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acetyl-CoA → malonyl-CoA), propionyl-CoA carboxylase (propionyl-CoA → methylmalonyl-CoA), and 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (leucine catabolism). Holocarboxylase synthetase attaches biotin to all four enzymes; its deficiency mimics biotin deficiency.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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