Metabolism of Pyruvate and Acetyl-CoA Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the main molecule that pyruvate is converted into in the mitochondrion?

Lactate

Acetyl-COA (correct)

Oxaloacetate

Succinate

Which gas is necessary for pyruvate to enter the mitochondrion and be transformed into Acetyl-COA?

CO2

O2 (correct)

What process allows pyruvate to move into the mitochondrion?

Pinocytosis

Facilitated Diffusion

Active Transport (correct)

Diffusion

What occurs to pyruvate during its transformation in the mitochondrion?

Oxidative Decarboxylation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the end product of glycolysis?

Pyruvate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function associated with the process described in the content?

Formation of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid is involved in the transamination process as mentioned?

Glutamate Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily linked to the formation of glutamate?

Transamination Signup and view all the answers

What is α-Ketoglutarate's main role in the content?

A precursor for specific amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which two components are specifically mentioned in relation to anabolic functions?

Amino acids and α-Ketoglutarate Signup and view all the answers

What type of gradient is created across the inner mitochondrial membrane?

Electrical gradient Signup and view all the answers

Where are there more positive charges during the generation of the electrical gradient?

On the outside of the membrane Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the electrical gradient have on cellular processes?

It promotes ion transport across the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the charge difference across the mitochondrial membrane?

The outer membrane has more positive charges compared to the inner membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which component primarily contributes to the establishment of the electrical gradient in mitochondria?

Protons (H+ ions) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary molecule formed from the interaction of ribulose-5-phosphate in the non-oxidative phase?

Glucose-6-phosphate Signup and view all the answers

How many molecules of ribulose-5-phosphate are mentioned as participating in the non-oxidative phase?

3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following molecules is NOT formed during the non-oxidative phase?

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Signup and view all the answers

What type of phase is described in the content concerning the conversion of molecules?

Non-oxidative reversible phase Signup and view all the answers

Which two types of molecules are generated from the conversion involving ribulose-5-phosphate?

Glyc-3-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate Signup and view all the answers

What role does glycogen synthase play in glycogen synthesis?

It helps in the elongation of glycogen by adding UDP-G molecules. Signup and view all the answers

How many glucose units does glycogen synthase elongate branches by during glycogen synthesis?

12-14 glucose units. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bonds does glycogen synthase create during glycogen elongation?

α1-4 glycosidic bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What molecule is primarily responsible for initiating the elongation of glycogen?

UDP-glucose (UDP-G). Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily formed by the action of glycogen synthase?

Longer glycogen chains. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pyruvate Transport and Oxidative Decarboxylation

Pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, is transported into the mitochondrion by a special pyruvate transporter in the presence of oxygen.
Inside the mitochondrion, pyruvate undergoes oxidative decarboxylation, converting it into Acetyl-CoA.
This process involves the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule from pyruvate.

Anabolic Functions of Acetyl-CoA

Acetyl-CoA plays a crucial role in the formation of amino acids.
One of the primary amino acids produced is α-ketoglutarate, which is formed through a process called transamination involving Glutamate.

Mitochondrial Membrane Gradient and Non-Oxidative Phase

The oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate creates an electrical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
This gradient results in a higher concentration of positive charges on the outside of the membrane compared to the inside.
The non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway is reversible and involves the interconversion of molecules.
Three molecules of ribulose-5-phosphate are converted into two molecules of glucose-6-phosphate and one molecule of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate.

Glycogen Synthesis

Glycogen synthase is a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of glycogen.
UDP-glucose molecules are added to a glycogen primer, leading to the elongation of α1-4 branches up to 12-14 glucose units.

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Description

Explore the biochemical pathways of pyruvate transport and its conversion to Acetyl-CoA within mitochondria. This quiz covers the roles of Acetyl-CoA in amino acid formation and the significance of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Test your knowledge on these essential metabolic processes.