Before You Begin
Question #46138
The Question
An adult Taenia solium residing in the human small intestine is experimentally exposed to a chemical toxin that completely inhibits the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase complex. Which of the following statements correctly predicts the metabolic consequence for this endoparasite?
Options
- A.
The parasite will rapidly perish due to the inability to link glycolysis with the Krebs cycle, halting ATP production.
- B.
The energy flux remains largely unaffected because the parasite predominantly relies on anaerobic pathways where pyruvate is reduced rather than oxidatively decarboxylated.
- C.
Glycolysis will arrest immediately due to the depletion of NAD+, as the mitochondrial electron transport chain becomes non-functional.
- D.
The parasite will undergo a metabolic shift towards alcoholic fermentation to bypass the inhibited enzyme and maintain energy flux.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Anaerobic_Metabolism|Pyruvate_Decarboxylation|Glycolysis
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize respiratory inhibitors as universally lethal because they halt bulk ATP production.
The trap is failing to contextualize the inhibitor within the specific ecological and metabolic adaptation of the organism.
Endoparasitic Platyhelminthes are adapted to anaerobic conditions, making aerobic enzyme inhibitors biologically ineffective against them.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Platyhelminthes Parasitic Adaptations |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |