Question

For the following questions answer with as much detail as possible. If a metabolic pathway is involved draw a name all molecular structures and name all enzymes. Indicate cell type and location within the cell as well as any transport mechanisms.

Since the fatty acid pathways are serpentine, show one pass through the sequence and then you may simply state how many times a sequence is repeated until a new reaction is needed. If asked to synthesize a fatty acid, synthesize oleic acid. If asked to break down a fatty acid use 15:2 Δ9,12.

While vacationing in the outer rim of the Milky Way, you stop for lunch at the big bang burger bar. Not trusting the local fare, you err on the side of caution and order a burger fries and a Coke. Little do you know that the triglycerides in this portion of the galaxy are composed entirely of a single fatty acid -15:2 Δ9,12. Fortunately, humans can metabolize this fatty acid just as they would any other.

Feeling guilty for your large lunch, later in the day you do some laps in the hotel swimming pool.

After leaving your vacation at the outer rim of the Milky Way, your spaceship breaks down. You have enough food for one week, but it takes a month for help to arrive.

a. What is the major source of fuel for your brain at the end of the month?

b. Using names and structures explain how these molecules are formed and utilized.

Answer 1

Ans a) The major source of fuel of brain at the end of the month is the fat or the triacylglycerides. The carbohydrate are the first molecules which are used as energy and when the body requires energy, glycogen is broken down to produce glucose which further through multiple cycle produces ATP which is the energy fuel. Hence at the end the fat molecules are utilized as energy when all the carbohydrate and the protein molecules are exhausted. With enough fat reserves in the body, one will be able to survive and sustain till month end.