Enzyme induction is _________ of a toxic _______.

• A. Underproduction; Metabolite
• B. Overproduction; Metabolite
• C. Inhibition; Toxin
• D. Activation; Metabolite

Answer: (B)

Enzyme induction means the body makes more of the drug‑metabolizing enzymes. With more enzymes available, a compound is transformed into its metabolites more quickly. If one of those metabolites is toxic, induction results in overproduction of that toxic metabolite, increasing the toxic effect. This is the situation the statement captures: enzyme induction leads to overproduction of a toxic metabolite. A common example is how certain enzymes convert a drug into a reactive, harmful metabolite (such as a toxic intermediate like NAPQI in acetaminophen metabolism) when induction ramps up enzyme activity. It’s important to recognize that not all metabolites are more toxic—induction can also accelerate detoxification in other contexts, but the stated concept specifically describes increased formation of a toxic metabolite.