Most common mineral activator of glycolytic enzymes is

Options

A. Fe
B. Zn
C. Mg
D. Mn

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose, a six-carbon molecule, into two molecules of pyruvate, which are three-carbon molecules. This process is crucial for both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

2. **Identifying Glycolytic Enzymes**: There are ten specific enzymes that catalyze the reactions in glycolysis. Each of these enzymes facilitates a particular step in the glycolytic pathway.

3. **Role of Mineral Activators**: Certain enzymes require mineral activators to function effectively. These activators help in the enzymatic reactions necessary for glycolysis to occur.

4. **Listing Key Enzymes**: Some key glycolytic enzymes that require mineral activators include:
- Hexokinase (or Glucokinase) - Step 1
- Phosphofructokinase - Step 3
- Phosphoglycerate kinase - Step 7
- Enolase - Step 8
- Pyruvate kinase - Step 10

5. **Identifying the Most Common Mineral Activator**: Among the mineral activators, magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) are the most common and essential for the activation of many glycolytic enzymes. Other minerals like iron, zinc, and manganese do not play a significant role in activating glycolytic enzymes.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the most common mineral activator of glycolytic enzymes is magnesium.

**Final Answer**: Magnesium

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