Biochemistry: Gluconeogenesis and Hormonal Regulation
40 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a gluconeogenic precursor?

  • Glycogen
  • Glucose
  • Pyruvate (correct)
  • Fructose
  • Which hormone primarily acts to increase blood glucose levels?

  • Glucagon (correct)
  • Insulin
  • Epinephrine
  • Cortisol
  • What is the role of insulin in glucose metabolism?

  • Promotes glucose uptake by cells (correct)
  • Inhibits glucose uptake
  • Increases glycogen breakdown
  • Stimulates gluconeogenesis
  • During fasting, which organ primarily synthesizes glucose?

    <p>Liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a property of gluconeogenesis?

    <p>Contains unique irreversible steps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these compounds can be converted to glucose during gluconeogenesis?

    <p>Lactate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main effect of epinephrine on glucose levels?

    <p>Stimulates gluconeogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true about the enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis?

    <p>Some enzymes are unique to gluconeogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many ATP equivalents are consumed in the gluconeogenesis process for one molecule of glucose?

    <p>6</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following enzymes catalyzes the first step in synthesizing phosphoenolpyruvate?

    <p>Pyruvate Carboxylase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the net yield of ATP equivalents produced during glycolysis?

    <p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which molecule can serve as a precursor for glucose biosynthesis?

    <p>Oxaloacetate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase in gluconeogenesis?

    <p>To catalyze near-equilibrium reactions between two glycolytic products</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the enzyme Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase vary between species?

    <p>It uses GTP in animals and ATP in other organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic best describes the reaction catalyzed by phosphofructokinase-1 in glycolysis?

    <p>It is metabolically irreversible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is produced along with glucose during gluconeogenesis?

    <p>2 NAD+ and 4 ADP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final product of gluconeogenesis in most cases?

    <p>Glucose 6-phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does glucose 6-phosphatase play in glucose metabolism?

    <p>It hydrolyzes glucose 6-phosphate to glucose and inorganic phosphate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which transporter moves glucose 6-phosphate from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum?

    <p>G6PT transporter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a major gluconeogenic precursor in mammals?

    <p>Fructose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After conversion to which compound does glycerol enter the gluconeogenesis pathway?

    <p>Dihydroxyacetone phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary location for glucose 6-phosphatase activity in cells?

    <p>Endoplasmic reticulum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which metabolic reaction involving glucose 6-phosphatase is characterized as metabolically irreversible?

    <p>Hydrolysis of glucose 6-phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzymes comprise the complex that includes glucose 6-phosphatase?

    <p>G6PT and phosphate transporter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary enzyme responsible for glycogen breakdown?

    <p>Glycogen phosphorylase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conversion occurs in muscle cells following glycogenolysis?

    <p>Glucose 1-phosphate to glucose 6-phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do vertebrates primarily store glycogen?

    <p>Cytosolic granules in muscle and liver cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of phosphoglucomutase in glycogen metabolism?

    <p>Converts glucose 1-phosphate to glucose 6-phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to glucose 6-phosphate in liver cells after glycogenolysis?

    <p>It is hydrolyzed to free glucose for the bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the polymerization reaction during glycogen synthesis?

    <p>Glycogen synthase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is muscle glycogen visualized under electron microscopy?

    <p>As cytosolic granules 10 to 40 nm in diameter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the product of glycogen breakdown during glycogenolysis?

    <p>Glucose 1-phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of reaction does glycogen synthase perform?

    <p>Distributive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme is crucial for converting cellular glucose into G6P?

    <p>Hexokinase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormones are known to regulate glycogen metabolism?

    <p>Insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does insulin have on glycogen phosphorylase?

    <p>Inactivates glycogen phosphorylase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which condition is glucagon primarily secreted by the pancreas?

    <p>Low blood glucose levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does glycogen serve in muscle cells?

    <p>Provides energy for muscle contraction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which transporter does insulin increase to facilitate glucose transport into tissues?

    <p>GLUT 4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of reaction involves the enzyme remaining bound to the growing chain?

    <p>Processive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Gluconeogenesis Overview

    • The gluconeogenesis pathway shares steps with glycolysis but has four unique reactions necessary for converting non-carbohydrate precursors into glucose.
    • It serves to synthesize glucose when liver glycogen is depleted after 16-24 hours of fasting, primarily utilizing lactate and alanine as precursors.
    • Major gluconeogenic sites include the liver, kidneys, and small intestine, which export glucose into the bloodstream for body utilization.

    Key Enzymes and Intermediates

    • Pyruvate Carboxylase: Catalyzes an irreversible reaction; activated by acetyl CoA. Converts pyruvate to oxaloacetate.
    • Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK): Produces phosphoenolpyruvate from oxaloacetate using GTP in animals.
    • Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase: Converts fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate in a reversible reaction analogous to glycolysis.
    • Glucose 6-phosphatase: Hydrolyzes glucose 6-phosphate to glucose, facilitating its release into the bloodstream.

    Energy Considerations

    • Glycolysis: Consumes 2 ATP but produces 4 ATP and 2 NADH, yielding a net gain of 2 ATP equivalents.
    • Gluconeogenesis: Requires 6 ATP equivalents and 2 NADH to synthesize one glucose molecule.

    Hormonal Regulation

    • Blood glucose levels are regulated by hormones, primarily insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine.
    • Insulin:
      • Secreted by pancreatic β-cells; promotes glucose uptake in muscle/adipose tissue via GLUT 4.
      • Stimulates glycogen synthesis and enhances phosphoprotein phosphatase-1 activity, inhibiting glycogen phosphorylase.
    • Glucagon:
      • Secreted by pancreatic α-cells in response to low blood glucose; stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis for glucose release.
    • Epinephrine: Also regulates glucose mobilization, especially during stress or during physical exertion.

    Regulation of Gluconeogenesis

    • Gluconeogenesis is regulated through hormonal signals and energy status within the cell, with opposing regulatory mechanisms in glycolysis.
    • The pathway includes not just synthesis but also the signaling mechanisms that dictate when to produce or break down glucose.

    Precursors for Gluconeogenesis

    • Major precursors: lactate, alanine, and glycerol (from triacylglycerol breakdown).
    • Glycerol is converted to dihydroxyacetone phosphate to enter gluconeogenesis.

    Glycogen Metabolism

    • Glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose; its degradation (glycogenolysis) produces glucose 1-phosphate, which converts to glucose 6-phosphate for metabolic processes.
    • Glycogen Phosphorylase: Catalyzes glycogen breakdown to glucose 1-phosphate; in liver cells, it converts to free glucose for blood glucose regulation.
    • Glycogen Synthase: Key enzyme for glycogen synthesis, adds glucose units and is regulated by hormonal signals.

    Conclusion

    • The regulation of gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism is crucial for maintaining glucose homeostasis in mammals, highlighting the interplay of various enzymes and hormones in energy balance.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Gluconeogenesis Chapter 12 PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts in gluconeogenesis, including the precursors, enzymes, and intermediates involved in the process. Additionally, it discusses the mechanisms of action of insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine, as well as the regulation of blood glucose levels. Test your understanding of these crucial biochemical pathways and hormonal interactions.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser