Biochemistry : Lipid Synthesis

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

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Example Question #21 : Lipid Synthesis

Cholesterol is an important lipid required in membranes and for steroid synthesis. Cholesterol can be synthesized from acetyl-coenzyme A. Which of the following is correct about this process?

Possible Answers:

3-hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate

All of these

HMG-CoA reductase is localized in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and HMG-CoA synthase is in the cytoplasm

3-hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMG-CoA synthase) converts  acetyl-CoA to HMG-CoA

3-hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the de novo cholesterol synthesis

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

All the answers are correct and show reactions that are necessary in the process of cholesterol synthesis.Cells receive cholesterol from dietary lipoproteins such as low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins. However, cholesterol can be synthesized " de novo" by the liver directly from acetyl CoA thru a series of reactions described above. HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the process is stimulated by insulin and inhibited by stain drugs.

Example Question #11 : Lipid Synthesis Reactants, Intermediates, And Products

Where are triglycerides produced in the body and what hormone regulates their production?

I. In the adipose tissue and liver. Their production is regulated by insulin and glucagon.

II. In the blood and liver. Their production is regulated by epinephrine and antidiuretic hormone.

III. In the blood as very-low density lipoproteins and chylomicrons. Their production is regulated by epinephrine and growth hormone.

IV. In the muscle. Their production is regulated by growth hormone.

Possible Answers:

I only

I and IV

II and III

I and II

III and IV

Correct answer:

I only

Explanation:

Triglycerides are produced in the adipose tissue and liver. Their production is regulated by insulin and glucagon. They are not directly regulated by growth factors or antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Also, they are transported in the blood as lipoproteins, but are not produced in the blood.

Example Question #23 : Lipid Synthesis

How can fatty acids be created from glucose?

Possible Answers:

Glucose can be redirected through the pentose phosphate pathways to create fatty acids.

Acetyl-CoA created from pyruvate can be utilized to create fatty acids.

The ATP created at the end of the electron transport chain can be used directly to synthesize fatty acids chains.

Fatty acids can be created from several of the citric acid cycle's intermediate molecules.

Fatty acids can not be created from glucose, but glucose can be created from fatty acids.

Correct answer:

Acetyl-CoA created from pyruvate can be utilized to create fatty acids.

Explanation:

Fatty acid synthesis occurs via the addition of acetyl-CoA carbons to a growing fatty acid chain. And so, in order to create fatty acids from glucose, there must be a link between the two molecules. That connection is the acetyl-CoA that is formed from pyruvate at the end of glycolysis and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. However, fatty acids can not create pyruvate, as there are no enzymes capable of this reverse reaction.

Example Question #24 : Lipid Synthesis

Which of the following are true regarding acetyl-CoA carboxylase in fatty acid synthesis? 

I. The active form of the enzyme is dephosphorylated.

II. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, necessary for fatty acid synthesis.

III. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is highly expressed in adipose tissue and lactating mammary glands, where fatty acid synthesis is important.

IV. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is highly expressed in the liver.

Possible Answers:

II, III, and IV

I and IV

I, II, III, and IV

I and II

I only

Correct answer:

I, II, III, and IV

Explanation:

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is high in adipose tissue, lactating mammary glands and liver where fatty acid synthesis is important. It has two catalytic activities as a biotin carboxylase and carboxytransferase. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. Compared to other enzymes that are phosphorylated when active, acetyl-CoA carboxylase needs to be dephosphorylated in order to be active.

Example Question #1241 : Biochemistry

Which of the following best characterizes the series of functional groups which are formed during fatty acid synthesis?

Possible Answers:

Ketone, alcohol, alkene, alkane

Aldehyde, alcohol, alkene, alkane

Ketone, alkene, alcohol, alkane

Ketone, diol, alkene, alkane

Hemiketal, alcohol, alkene, alkane

Correct answer:

Ketone, alcohol, alkene, alkane

Explanation:

The two carbons that remain after the addition of malonyl-CoA are added as an acetyl group with the carbonyl carbon on the interior of the chain, which is to say a ketone. Then, the carbonyl is reduced to form an alcohol. Next, the alcohol is dehydrated to form an alkene. Finally, the alkene is reduced to saturate the chain, forming an alkyl group.

Example Question #1242 : Biochemistry

During fatty acid synthesis, or lipogenesis, acetyl-CoA is transported from the mitochondria to the cytosol as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Carnitine

Citrate

Alanine

Glutamate 

Glycerol 

Correct answer:

Citrate

Explanation:

Carnitine transports fatty acids from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Acetyl-CoA is converted to citrate as it exits the mitochondria and enters the cytosol.

Example Question #1243 : Biochemistry

Insulin regulates both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Which of the following enzymes are regulated by insulin?

I. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase

II. Fatty acid synthase

III. Pyruvate dehydrogenase

IV. Glucokinase

Possible Answers:

I and IV

II, III, and IV

I, II, III, and IV

I, III, and IV

I, II, and IV

Correct answer:

I, II, III, and IV

Explanation:

In fatty acid synthesis, all of the enzymes listed are are regulated by insulin. Pyruvate dehydrogenase transforms pyruvate into acetyl-CoA. Glucokinase transforms glucose in glucose 6-phosphate. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. Fatty acid synthase converts malonyl-CoA to fatty acid palmitate. Insulin regulation is essential for proper utilization of dietary carbohydrates and lipids after meals. 

Example Question #22 : Lipid Synthesis

What is the importance of the citrate shuttle in lipid biosynthesis?

I. It requires the activity of citrate lyase

II. Acetyl-CoA is converted to citrate in the mitochondria, which is then moved across the mitochondrial membrane

III. The process makes acetyl-CoA from the mitochondria available for fatty acid synthesis in the cytosol

IV. Oxaloacetate in the cytoplasm is moved directly back in the mitochondria

Possible Answers:

I, II, and III

I and II

II and III

I, III, and IV

II, III, and IV

Correct answer:

I, II, and III

Explanation:

The citrate shuttle moves acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) from the mitochondria to the cytosol to make it available for fatty acid synthesis. The process involves multiple reactions and enzymes such as citrate lyase. Citrate acts as as a carrier agent for acetyl-CoA molecules from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm and in reverse. Oxaloacetate, a product of citrate lysis in the cytoplasm is not moved directly back in the mitochondria, but rather is converted back to malate and pyruvate.

Example Question #1244 : Biochemistry

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is essential for fatty acid synthesis. Which of the following factors regulate acetyl-CoA carboxylase?

I. Glucagon

II. Citrate

III. Palmitoyl-CoA

IV. Insulin

Possible Answers:

I, II, and III

II and III

I and II

I, II, III, and IV

I and IV

Correct answer:

I, II, III, and IV

Explanation:

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is essential for fatty acid synthesis, it provides malonyl-CoA, necessary for production of palmitate, a fatty acid. The enzyme is regulated via phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Insulin activates the enzyme by dephosphorylation. Glucagon and epinephrine deactivate on the other hand the enzyme by phosphorylation (adding a phosphate group to the molecule). Citrate activates the enzyme while palmitoyl-CoA, the end product of fatty acid synthesis, inhibits it.

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