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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT true concerning the actions of free fatty acids (FFAs)?
A
FFAs can be oxidized in mitochondria to produce ATP.
B
FFAs can serve as an important energy source during prolonged fasting.
C
Elevated levels of FFAs in the blood can contribute to insulin resistance.
D
FFAs are directly converted into glucose via gluconeogenesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in metabolism. FFAs are released from triglycerides during lipolysis and serve as an energy source, especially during fasting or prolonged exercise.
Step 2: Recall the process of fatty acid oxidation. FFAs are transported into mitochondria, where they undergo β-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, leading to ATP production. This confirms that FFAs can be oxidized in mitochondria to produce ATP.
Step 3: Consider the role of FFAs during prolonged fasting. During fasting, FFAs are mobilized from adipose tissue and used as an energy source by tissues such as muscle and liver. This supports the statement that FFAs serve as an important energy source during fasting.
Step 4: Examine the relationship between elevated FFAs and insulin resistance. High levels of FFAs in the blood can interfere with insulin signaling pathways, contributing to insulin resistance. This is a well-documented phenomenon in metabolic disorders.
Step 5: Address the incorrect statement. FFAs cannot be directly converted into glucose via gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis primarily uses substrates like lactate, glycerol, and amino acids, but not FFAs. FFAs are metabolized into acetyl-CoA, which cannot serve as a precursor for glucose synthesis due to the irreversible nature of the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction.