Biochemistry : Synapse Biochemistry

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

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Example Question #21 : Synapse Biochemistry

What is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis?

Possible Answers:

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase

Tyrosine hydroxylase

Amino acid decarboxylase

Tryptophan hydroxylase

Correct answer:

Tyrosine hydroxylase

Explanation:

Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis. It catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to dihydroxy-phenylalanine (DOPA). Tryptophan hydroxylase is the rate-limiting step for serotonin synthesis. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase converts dopamine to norepinephrine. Amino acid decarboxylase converted DOPA to dopamine. 

Example Question #1121 : Biochemistry

All of the following are released from storage vesicles upon nerve firing except __________.

Possible Answers:

Epinephrine

Norepinephrine

Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)

Dopamine

Correct answer:

Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)

Explanation:

Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) is the precursor for dopamine. Of the options, only dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released upon nerve firing.

Example Question #111 : Biochemical Signaling

Norepinephrine can be removed from the synaptic cleft via __________.

Possible Answers:

tryptophan hydroxylase

amino acid decarboxylase

norepinephrine transporter proteins (NETs)

vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

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 #112 : Biochemical Signaling

Which of the following is true of epinephrine?

Possible Answers:

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

It is released from the adrenal cortex

It is elevated when insulin is elevated

It increases intracellular cAMP

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 #113 : Biochemical Signaling

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

Possible Answers:

photons

mechanical stimulation

cAMP

ATP

chemical stimulation

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 #56 : Hormones And Neurotransmitters

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 precursor is dopamine, the enzyme is dopamine beta hydroxylase.

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

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

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

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.

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