Ketone Flashcards
Definition
Ketones are organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms within a carbon skeleton
Structure
Ketones have the general formula R-C(=O)-R’, where R and R’ represent alkyl or aryl groups.
Examples of ketones
Examples: Common ketones include acetone (propanone), acetophenone, and cyclohexanone.
Preparation
Ketones can be prepared through oxidation of secondary alcohols or by the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction.
Reactivity:
Reactivity: Ketones undergo various reactions, including nucleophilic addition reactions, oxidation to carboxylic acids, and reduction to secondary alcohols.
Biological Significance:
Biological Significance: Ketones play important roles in metabolism, such as in the breakdown of fatty acids through beta-oxidation, and ketone bodies serve as alternative energy sources during fasting or low-carbohydrate diets.
What is the role of ketone in metabolism?
Role in Metabolism: Ketones are produced in the liver during prolonged fasting or low carbohydrate intake when glucose levels are low. They serve as alternative energy sources for tissues like the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles.
Ketogenesis:
Ketogenesis: The process of ketone body synthesis involves the conversion of acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acid breakdown into ketone bodies, primarily acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate.
Ketoacidosis
Prolonged ketone body production can lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition characterized by excessively high levels of ketones in the blood, resulting in metabolic acidosis.
Clinical Relevance:
Clinical Relevance: Ketosis and ketoacidosis are important considerations in conditions such as diabetes mellitus, where impaired insulin function can lead to increased ketone production.
What regulate/ influences ketogenesis
Regulation: Ketogenesis is regulated by hormonal factors such as insulin, glucagon, and cortisol, as well as by substrate availability and metabolic demand.
