Ketone Bodies and Fatty Acid Metabolism

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding ketone bodies, their formation, and metabolism derived from the student's lecture notes.

Acetyl-CoA

What is the precursor for the formation of ketone bodies?

In the liver

Where are ketone bodies primarily produced?

During fasting and starvation

Under what conditions are ketone bodies formed?

In tissues other than the liver

Where are ketone bodies utilized in the body?

Acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate

What are the two main types of ketone bodies?

Fatty acid oxidation

What metabolic process generates Acetyl-CoA for ketone body production?

NADH is a reducing equivalent that assists in ATP production during oxidative phosphorylation.

What is the role of NADH in the metabolism of fatty acids and ketone bodies?

A high ratio of NADH/NAD+ favors the shift of Acetyl-CoA towards ketone body formation rather than entering the TCA cycle.

How does the concentration of NADH/NAD+ influence ketone body formation?

They are converted back to Acetyl-CoA and oxidized in the TCA cycle for ATP production.

What happens to ketone bodies in other tissues?

Ketone body levels increase, providing up to 2/3 of the brain's energy needs, decreasing the requirement for glucose.

How does prolonged fasting affect ketone body levels and utilization?