Biochemistry : Gluconeogenesis Regulation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Gluconeogenesis

Which of the following is an example of futile cycling?

Possible Answers:

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis occurring simultaneously.

Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle occurring simultaneously.

Glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation occurring simultaneously.

Glycolysis and beta oxidation occurring simultaneously.

Glycolysis and ketogenesis occurring simultaneously.

Correct answer:

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis occurring simultaneously.

Explanation:

Futile cycling occurs when two metabolic processes occur in opposite directions, and thus result in no net change. This is very wasteful, and not ideal. The only example of the answer choices of metabolic processes occurring in opposite directions is glycolysis and gluconeogenesis occurring simultaneously. Other possible examples could include: glycogenesis and glycogenolysis, beta-oxidation and fatty acid synthesis, etc.

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