The process of glycolysis is used by all cells of the body to turn glucose into ATP for cellular energy. When stores of glucose are low, however, the body can break down a form of stored glucose in the liver to increase glucose reserves. The supply of glycogen is limited, and eventually the body must break down free fatty acids (FFAs) through a process called beta-oxidation.

Which organ in the body cannot perform beta-oxidation, thus requiring the use of ketone bodies when stores of glucose are depleted?

The process of glycolysis is used by all cells of the body to turn glucose into ATP for cellular energy. When stores of glucose are low, however, the body can break down a form of stored glucose in the liver to increase glucose reserves. The supply of glycogen is limited, and eventually the body must break down free fatty acids (FFAs) through a process called beta-oxidation.

What is the end-product of beta-oxidation?

In which of the following places does the breakdown phase of beta-oxidation occur?

Which of the following describes a beta oxidation reaction?

Fatty acids and cholesterol are stored in tissues as __________ and __________, respectively.

The cellular membrane is a very important structure. The lipid bilayer is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The hydrophilic layer faces the extracellular fluid and the cytosol of the cell. The hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer stays in between the hydrophobic regions like a sandwich. This bilayer separation allows for communication, protection, and homeostasis. 

One of the most utilized signaling transduction pathways is the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the cellular membrane allows for the peptide and other hydrophilic hormones to bind to the receptor on the cellular surface but to not enter the cell. This regulation allows for activation despite the hormone’s short half-life. On the other hand, hydrophobic hormones must have longer half-lives to allow for these ligands to cross the lipid bilayer, travel through the cell’s cytosol and eventually reach the nucleus. 

Cholesterol allows the lipid bilayer to maintain its fluidity despite the fluctuation in the body’s temperature due to events such as increasing metabolism. Cholesterol binds to the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer. When the temperature is low, the cholesterol molecules prevent the hydrophobic tails from compacting and solidifying. When the temperature is high, the hydrophobic tails will be excited and will move excessively. This excess movement will bring instability to the bilayer. Cholesterol will prevent excessive movement.

Which of the following hormones utilizes cholesterol as a precursor? 

I. Cortisol

II. Aldosterone

III. Mineralocorticoid