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Example Questions
Example Question #22 : Synapse Biochemistry
Norepinephrine can be removed from the synaptic cleft via __________.
vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)
amino acid decarboxylase
norepinephrine transporter proteins (NETs)
tryptophan hydroxylase
norepinephrine transporter proteins (NETs)
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?
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
It increases intracellular cAMP
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 __________.
chemical stimulation
mechanical stimulation
ATP
photons
cAMP
photons
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?
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.
The precursor is dopamine, the enzyme is dopamine beta hydroxylase.
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?
Isoproterenol is a beta-agonist.
Propranolol is an alpha-agonist.
Norepinephrine/noradrenaline is the methylated form of epinephrine/adrenaline.
Phentolamine is a beta-antagonist.
Isoproterenol is a beta-agonist.
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?
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.
Glucagon is secreted in response to high blood glucose levels.
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
III only
I, II, and IV
IV only
I and II
IV only
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?
Beta-hydroxybutyrate and apoprotein B
Beta-carotene and apoprotein B
Beta-hydroxybutyrate only
Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate
Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate
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?
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
Activation of diacylglycerol and IP3
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?
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
Stimulates production of red blood cells
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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