Biochemistry : Biochemistry

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Other Glycolysis Concepts

Which of the following is true of glycolysis?

Possible Answers:

While 2 net ATP are created in glycolysis, there also is a requirement of 2 ATP initially for glycolysis to take place

All steps are reversible

Glycolysis speeds up when ATP is plentiful

Glucose is created

 is formed from NADH

Correct answer:

While 2 net ATP are created in glycolysis, there also is a requirement of 2 ATP initially for glycolysis to take place

Explanation:

In glycolysis, glucose is broken down. 2 ATP are required for glycolysis to begin, resulting in a creation of 4 ATP. This is a net of 2 ATP. NADH is created from , not the other way around. While 7 of the 10 steps of glycolysis are reversible, the other 3 are irreversible. Finally, if ATP is plentiful, there is no need for glycolysis to speed up (it will actually likely slow down).

Example Question #131 : Catabolic Pathways And Metabolism

Which of the following processes occurs in the cytoplasm of a cell?

Possible Answers:

Electron transport chain

Oxidative phosphorylation

Glycolysis

Krebs cycle

All of these occur in the cytoplasm

Correct answer:

Glycolysis

Explanation:

Glycolysis is the only of the above choices that occurs in the cytoplasm. The remaining occur in different parts of the mitochondria. The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. Both oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain occur along the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Example Question #132 : Catabolic Pathways And Metabolism

When during cellular respiration is  created?

Possible Answers:

The Krebs cycle

Glycolysis

The electron transport chain

The non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway

The oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway

Correct answer:

The oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway

Explanation:

 in unrelated to the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain.  is produced during the pentose phosphate pathway, which is a branch off of glycolysis. The first phase of the pentose phosphate pathway is called the oxidative phase, and is where  is created. During the second phase, five-carbon sugars are created, the most important being ribose-5-phosphate.

Example Question #133 : Catabolic Pathways And Metabolism

Which statement is false regarding glycolysis?

Possible Answers:

Hexokinase catalyzes the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate.

Glucose is oxidized.

2 NADH are produced

2 Pyruvate are produced.

Every step is irreversible.

Correct answer:

Every step is irreversible.

Explanation:

In glycolysis, glucose is oxidized, and the final products are 2 pyruvate, 2 ATP, and 2 NADH. The first step is irreversible, and is the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate by the enzyme hexokinase. The only remaining answer choice is "every step is irreversible." That statement is false. Steps 1,3, and 10 are irreversible, but the remaining steps are reversible.

Example Question #134 : Catabolic Pathways And Metabolism

How does fructose get metabolized by the body?

I. Fructose-1-phosphate is converted to glyceraldehyde. 

II. Fructose is converted to fructose-1-phosphate by fructokinase in the liver.

III. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate from fructose is used in both glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Possible Answers:

II only

III only

I, II, and III

I and III

II and III

Correct answer:

I, II, and III

Explanation:

Fructose is mainly metabolized by the liver from sugar, honey and fruits. Fructose can be converted to fructose-1-phosphate and then to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde.

Example Question #51 : Glycolysis

Which of the following is false of NADPH?

Possible Answers:

All of these

It is easily discriminated from NADH in the body.

It protects the cell from oxidative stress.

It is created during the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway.

It is typically consumed during anabolic reactions.

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

NADPH is a molecule created during the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway. It is used in anabolic reactions, specifically in the formation of fatty acids. Another important role is that it acts as an anti-oxidant. Finally, NADPH is easily discriminated from NADH in the body because of an additional attached phosphate group. This allows the body to regulate the concentrations of the two similar molecules independently.

Example Question #61 : Carbohydrate Metabolism

Which of the following are true about lactate dehydrogenase?

I. Lactate dehydrogenase converts reversibly pyruvate to lactate under anaerobic conditions.

II. Lactate dehydrogenase is also important in gluconeogenesis by converting lactate to pyruvate.

III. Lactate dehydrogenase oxidizes NADH to prevent its accumulation in anaerobic conditions.

IV. There are 5 lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes that differ in their tissue distribution.

Possible Answers:

II, III, and IV

I, II, III and IV

I, II, and III

I and IV

I and II

Correct answer:

I, II, III and IV

Explanation:

A dehydrogenase is an enzyme that removes hydrogen ions from a molecule, thereby oxidizing it.Lactate dehydrogenase converts lactate to pyruvic acid and NADH to NAD+ in glycolysis.The reaction is reversible, in which case it provides pyruvate for gluconeogenesis.Lactate dehydrogenase is present in most tissues with some isoforms more frequent than others. For example, isoenzyme LDH-1 is found in the heart, red blood cells, and brain.

Example Question #1 : Electron Transport Chain Proteins And Complexes

Which electron transport chain complexes would be impaired by an iron deficiency?

Possible Answers:

Complex I and IV

Complex II and IV

Complex III and IV

Complex I and II

Correct answer:

Complex I and II

Explanation:

Complex I (NADH-CoQ reductase) contains iron-sulfur proteins, and complex II (succinate-CoQ reductase) contains both heme and iron-sulfur proteins. Thus, iron deficiency would compromise the function of complex I and II. The other enzyme complexes do not have iron-containing proteins, thus, they would not be impaired by an iron deficiency.

Example Question #1 : Electron Transport And Oxidative Phosphorylation

Which electron transport chain complex would be impaired by a deficiency of copper?

Possible Answers:

Complex I

Complex III

Complex IV

Complex II

Correct answer:

Complex IV

Explanation:

Complex IV (cytochrome oxidase) contains two copper centers,  and , thus a copper deficiency would result in loss of function of enzyme complex IV. The other enzyme complexes do not contain copper, thus, they would not be impaired by a copper deficiency.

Example Question #1 : Electron Transport And Oxidative Phosphorylation

What would be the most immediate result if complex II of the electron transport chain suddenly stopped working? 

Possible Answers:

Increase in the hydrogen ion concentration in the mitochondrial intermembrane space

Buildup of succinate in the mitochondrial matrix

Increase in glycolysis

Glycogen breakdown 

Correct answer:

Buildup of succinate in the mitochondrial matrix

Explanation:

Complex II of the electron transport chain catalyzes the following reaction:

It uses the enzyme succinate dehydrogenaseThe immediate result of this complex's loss of function would be a buildup of succinate, since that molecule can no longer be oxidized to fumarate. The multitude of problems that can arise come from this crucial step of the citric acid cycle not being able to move forward.

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