Full formScience
PFKstands forPhosphofructokinase
Full Form of PFK
What is PFK?
Phosphofructokinase, commonly known as PFK, is one of the most important regulatory enzymes in the metabolic pathway of glycolysis. It catalyses the phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, using ATP as the phosphate donor. PFK is considered the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis, meaning it controls the speed at which glucose is broken down to produce energy in the form of ATP. In Indian universities and medical colleges, PFK is extensively studied under biochemistry syllabi of BSc, MSc, MBBS, and BDS courses. It appears as a key topic in competitive examinations such as NEET, AIIMS, JAM, and CSIR-NET, where students are frequently asked about its mechanism, allosteric regulation by ATP, citrate, and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, as well as its role in the Pasteur effect. The enzyme exists in different isoforms, including PFK-1 in muscle and PFK-2 in liver, each with specific physiological functions. Deficiencies in PFK can lead to Tarui disease, a rare glycogen storage disorder. Understanding PFK is essential for grasping cellular energy metabolism and its clinical implications in conditions like cancer and diabetes.
PFK का फुल फॉर्म
फॉस्फोफ्रक्टोकिनेज
Example
PFK is the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis and is inhibited by high levels of ATP, a concept frequently tested in NEET biochemistry.
PFK — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of PFK?
PFK stands for Phosphofructokinase, the rate-limiting regulatory enzyme of the glycolytic pathway that converts fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate.
Why is PFK important in cellular metabolism?
PFK controls the rate of glycolysis and therefore regulates cellular energy production, and is allosterically inhibited by high ATP and activated by AMP and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate.
Which Indian exams include PFK in their syllabus?
PFK is part of the biochemistry syllabus in NEET, AIIMS, JAM, CSIR-NET, and various BSc and MBBS university examinations across India.