Biochemical Pathways Lecture

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on biochemical pathways, focusing on gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and related processes.

What is gluconeogenesis?

Gluconeogenesis is the creation of new glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors.

What are the main four carbohydrate pathways?

The main four carbohydrate pathways are glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, and glycogenolysis.

What is the purpose of glycolysis?

The purpose of glycolysis is to break down glucose to produce pyruvate and generate ATP.

What is the difference between gluconeogenesis and glycolysis?

Gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, whereas glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate.

What compounds can give rise to pyruvate in gluconeogenesis?

Compounds such as oxaloacetate, malate, fumarate, succinate, and alpha-ketoglutarate can give rise to pyruvate.

Where does gluconeogenesis primarily occur?

Gluconeogenesis primarily occurs in the liver.

What is the TCA cycle also known as?

The TCA cycle is also known as the Krebs cycle or the citric acid cycle.

What are the carbon counts of citrate and oxaloacetate in the TCA cycle?

Citrate has six carbons, while oxaloacetate has four carbons.

What is the function of coenzyme A?

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an activating group that helps in transferring acetyl groups in metabolic pathways.

What is the role of NADH in ATP production?

NADH carries electrons to the electron transport chain where it can generate ATP; one NADH is equivalent to three ATP.

How many ATP are produced from one glucose molecule via glycolysis under aerobic conditions?

Under aerobic conditions, glycolysis produces a net of 10 ATP from one glucose molecule.

What happens to pyruvate under anaerobic conditions?

Under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted to lactic acid instead of entering the TCA cycle.

What is the investment phase of glycolysis?

The investment phase of glycolysis is where ATP is used to initiate the breakdown of glucose.

What is the overall ATP gain from one molecule of glucose after glycolysis and TCA cycle?

The overall gain is 38 ATP from one glucose molecule after considering the entire metabolic pathway.

What is glycogenesis?

Glycogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose and storing it as glycogen.

How does insulin affect glycogenesis?

Insulin stimulates glycogenesis by activating the enzyme glycogen synthase.

What is the consequence of excess visceral fat on the liver?

Excess visceral fat can lead to insulin resistance, and conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).