Overview of Catabolism Reactions

Question 1

In general, which substrate is preferentially used to produce energy?

Answer 1

The substrate with the heist concentration

Question 2

During fasting, which substrate levels are high and the main source of energy?

Answer 2

Fatty acid levels

Question 3

When are amino acid levels in the body high and likely to be used to produce energy?

Answer 3

After a high protein meal or when glucose and fatty acids are depleted.

Question 4

Which cells in the body rely solely on glucose

Answer 4

Red blood cells and the brain.

Question 5

Why can red blood cells only metabolize glucose, and not amino acids or fatty acids?
What about the brain?

Answer 5

RBCs do not have mitochondria.

The blood/brain barrier prevents fatty acids from enterting the tissue.

Question 6

Which cells utilize fatty acids even when glycogen supplies are adequate?

Answer 6

Liver and skeletal muscle cells. This conserves glycogen stores for the brain and RBCs.

Question 7

2 examples of electron carriers

Answer 7

NADH and FADH2

Question 8

Full name of NAD+

Answer 8

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

Question 9

Full name of FAD

Answer 9

Flavin Adenine dinucleotide

Question 10

Name the oxidized and reduced versions of electron carriers

Answer 10

Oxidized (lost e-) NAD+, FAD

Reduced (gained) NADH, FADH2

Question 11

Endergonic reactions

Answer 11

requires energy. Ex: anabolism. build up of molecules.

Question 12

Exergonic reactions

Answer 12

Releases energy. Ex: catabolism. Break down of molecules.

Question 13

Catabolism vs anabolism

Answer 13

Catabolsim- breaking down. Exergonic. Releases energy

Anabolism- Building up. Endergonic. Requires input of energy.