Biochemistry : Biochemical Signaling

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #22 : Synapse Biochemistry

Norepinephrine can be removed from the synaptic cleft via __________.

Possible Answers:

vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

amino acid decarboxylase

norepinephrine transporter proteins (NETs)

tryptophan hydroxylase

Correct answer:

norepinephrine transporter proteins (NETs)

Explanation:

NETs are used to remove norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft. Tryptophan hydroxylase and amino acid decarboxylase are part of the serotonin synthesis pathway. VMA is a breakdown product of norepinephrine.

Example Question #23 : Synapse Biochemistry

Which of the following is true of epinephrine?

Possible Answers:

It binds to the beta-adrenergic receptors of the beta cells

It is elevated when insulin is elevated

It increases intracellular cAMP

It is released from the adrenal cortex

Correct answer:

It increases intracellular cAMP

Explanation:

Epinephrine binds to the alpha-adrenergic receptors of the beta cells. Via intracellular signaling cascades beginning with the G protein-coupled receptor, adenylyl cyclase is activated, converting ATP to cAMP. Epinephrine is released from the adrenal medulla, not the adrenal cortex. It is also elevated when insulin is low, not high.

Example Question #24 : Synapse Biochemistry

The receptor present in the retina contains rhodopsin, which is excited by __________.

Possible Answers:

chemical stimulation

mechanical stimulation

ATP

photons

cAMP

Correct answer:

photons

Explanation:

The receptors at work in the retina are photoreceptors, which means that they are stimulated by incoming photons. Unlike many other biochemical signaling cascades that take place in the body, stimulation of these receptors actually cause cell hyperpolarization rather than depolarization. The signal is then transmitted to the brain where the information is translated into all the associated neurological effectors that carry out vision.

Example Question #21 : Synapse Biochemistry

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is synthesized from tyrosine by a series of reactions. In this pathway, what is the direct precursor of norephinephrine and what is the name of the enzyme that converts it to norepinephrine?

Possible Answers:

The direct precursor is phenylalanine and the enzyme is tyrosine hydroxylase.

The direct precursor is dihydroxyphenalanine and the enzyme is dopamine beta hydroxylase.

The direct precursor is dihydroxyphenalanine (DOPA) and the enzyme is dopa decarboxylase.

The direct precursor is epinephrine and the enzyme is tyrosine hydroxylase.

The precursor is dopamine, the enzyme is dopamine beta hydroxylase.

Correct answer:

The precursor is dopamine, the enzyme is dopamine beta hydroxylase.

Explanation:

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is synthesized from tyrosine by a series of reactions. In this pathway, tyrosine is converted to dihydroxyphenalanine (DOPA) by tyrosine hydroxylase. DOPA is converted to dopamine by DOPA decarboxylase. Dopamine is the direct precursor of norepinephrineand is converted to it by dopamine beta hydroxylase. Epinephrine is converted from norepinephrine by phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase.

Example Question #111 : Biochemical Signaling

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is true?

Possible Answers:

Isoproterenol is a beta-agonist.

Propranolol is an alpha-agonist.

Norepinephrine/noradrenaline is the methylated form of epinephrine/adrenaline.

Phentolamine is a beta-antagonist.

Correct answer:

Isoproterenol is a beta-agonist.

Explanation:

Phentolamine is an alpha-antagonist. Propranolol is an beta-agonist. Epinephrine/adrenaline is the methylated form of norepinephrine/noradrenaline.

 

Example Question #112 : Biochemical Signaling

Which of the following statements about pancreatic hormones is not true?

Possible Answers:

Glucagon is secreted in response to high blood glucose levels.

Delta cells secrete somatostatin.

Insulin stimulates muscle and fat cells to store glucose.

Beta cells secrete insulin.

Correct answer:

Glucagon is secreted in response to high blood glucose levels.

Explanation:

Insulin is secreted in response to high blood glucose levels, which increases cell uptake of glucose. Glycogen has the opposite effect - it stimulates glycogenolysis and lipolysis to release glucose into the bloodstream during times of fasting/starvation.

Example Question #3 : Other Hormone Pathways

Which of the following does not lead to an increase in the secretion of insulin?

I. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)

II. Cholecystokinin (CCK)

III. Closing of the voltage gated potassium channels

IV. Decreased arginine levels

Possible Answers:

III only

I, II, and IV

IV only

I and II

Correct answer:

IV only

Explanation:

Elevated arginine leads to an increase in secretion of insulin, not decreased. GIP, CCK and closing of the voltage gated potassium channels lead to an increase in secretion of insulin. 

Example Question #4 : Other Hormone Pathways

During a fasting state, the brain reduces its need for serum glucose by using which of the following substances as an alternate energy source?

Possible Answers:

Beta-hydroxybutyrate and apoprotein B

Beta-carotene and apoprotein B

Beta-hydroxybutyrate only

Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate

Correct answer:

Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate

Explanation:

Ketone bodies, which include acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone, are produced by the liver in the fasting state by beta-oxidation of fatty acids. They are then released into the blood stream, where they can be used as alternative energy sources for other organs, such as muscle, kidney, and brain. Apoprotein B is one of the proteins that hold lipoproteins together. Beta-carotene is a vitamin with antioxidant properties. 

Example Question #5 : Other Hormone Pathways

Which of the following is not a step in the signal transduction pathway when epinephrine acts on its receptor?

Possible Answers:

Activation of adenylate cyclase

Activation of diacylglycerol and IP3

Activation of a G protein

Activation of protein kinase A

Increase in the quantity of cAMP

Correct answer:

Activation of diacylglycerol and IP3

Explanation:

Epinephrine first binds to an adrenergic receptor. The activated receptor works via a G protein, and so GDP is exchanged for GTP and the protein is activated. This then causes activation of adenylate cyclase and subsequent conversion of ATP to cAMP. cAMP acts upon protein kinase A and several other effector molecules. Diacylglycerol and IP3 are second messengers that are uninvolved in this process.

Example Question #6 : Other Hormone Pathways

Erythropoietin is an important glycoprotein in the human body. What is the function of erythropoietin?

Possible Answers:

Stimulates secretion in the tubules of the nephron

Stimulates red blood cell destruction

Stimulates production of red blood cells

Stimulates filtering in the kidney

Stimulates white blood cell activity

Correct answer:

Stimulates production of red blood cells

Explanation:

Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone produced in the kidney that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

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