MHT CET Medical202625 April 2026Evening ShiftBiologyRespiration in PlantsActual
Which one of the following is the activator for enzyme hexokinase in glycolysis?
Options
- AMn ⁺⁺
- BMg ⁺⁺
- CMo ⁺⁺
- DZn ⁺⁺
Correct answer
B. Mg ⁺⁺
Step-by-step solution
Hexokinase is the first enzyme in the glycolysis pathway, which catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate using ATP. The true substrate for hexokinase is not free ATP, but the Mg ⁺⁺ -ATP complex. The Mg ⁺⁺ ion shields the negative charges of the phosphate groups in ATP, making the terminal phosphorus atom an easier target for nucleophilic attack by the hydroxyl group of glucose. Therefore, Mg ⁺⁺ acts as an essential cofactor and activator for the enzyme hexokinase. Answer: Mg ⁺⁺