Biochemistry : Carbohydrate Metabolism
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Example Question #1 : Lactic Acid Fermentation
During lactic acid fermentation, what is the final electron acceptor?
NADH
Pyruvate
Ethanol
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Pyruvate
Under normal aerobic conditions, the final electron acceptor at the end of the electron transport chain is oxygen. However, fermentation occurs when there is no oxygen available. Therefore, something else must act as the final electron acceptor. In lactic acid fermentation, NADH is the electron carrier that ultimately carries them to pyruvate. Pyruvate is reduced to lactic acid, and thus, acted as the final electron acceptor.
Example Question #1 : Ethanol Fermentation
Multiple studies have shown that drinking lots of alcohol can lead to an increase in body fat.
From a biochemical perspective, what aspect of alcohol metabolism may suggest that it contributes to an increase in body fat?
Formation of acetals and ketals
Formation of acetic acid
Formation of acetaldehyde
Production of acetyl-CoA
Production of acetyl-CoA
Fats are broken down into acetyl-CoA to be used for energy. However, large quantities of alcohol will produce large quantities of acetyl-CoA when metabolized. Acetyl-CoA can be converted into fatty acids when it is in excess. Then fatty acids can assemble into triglycerides and be stored as fat.
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