WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What deficiency is primarily associated with inborn errors of metabolism?

1. Proteins

2. Enzymes

3. Minerals

4. Hormones

The correct answer is: Enzymes

The correct answer is enzymes. Inborn errors of metabolism are genetic disorders that result from the absence or malfunction of specific enzymes necessary for metabolic processes. These disorders are caused by mutations in genes that encode enzymes, leading to the accumulation of toxic substances or a deficiency of critical compounds required for normal cellular functions. For example, phenylketonuria (PKU) results from a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is necessary for the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. While proteins, minerals, and hormones play significant roles in various biochemical processes, they are not directly the primary deficiency associated with inborn errors of metabolism. In these cases, the underlying issue stems from enzyme activity, making the correct association centered on enzymes crucial in understanding these complex metabolic disorders.