Question 20

DNA controls the synthesis of enzymes.

DNA is crucial for the metabolic activities of the cell because it contains the genetic instructions that dictate the synthesis of enzymes, which are essential for metabolic processes.

A) It initiates cellular mitosis.

While DNA is involved in the process of cellular division, or mitosis, this function is not directly related to metabolic activities. Mitosis is more about cell replication than the metabolic pathways that sustain cellular functions.

B) It provides cell wall stability.

Cell wall stability is primarily a function of structural components such as cellulose in plants or peptidoglycan in bacteria, rather than DNA. Although DNA plays a role in coding for proteins that may be involved in cell structure, it does not directly provide stability to the cell wall.

C) It increases glucose absorption.

Glucose absorption is regulated by proteins like transporters and hormones, which are influenced by gene expression but are not directly controlled by DNA itself. DNA does not increase glucose absorption; rather, it provides the instructions for the synthesis of proteins involved in that process.

D) It controls the synthesis of enzymes.

This option accurately reflects the role of DNA in cellular metabolism. DNA contains the genes that code for enzymes, which are necessary for catalyzing biochemical reactions within the cell, thus playing a crucial role in metabolic activities.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D because DNA's primary function related to metabolism is to control enzyme synthesis, which directly influences metabolic pathways. Other options fail to connect DNA's role with metabolic function and instead misattribute its importance to processes unrelated to metabolism.