Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

22. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Intro to Carbohydrate Metabolism

GOB Chemistry

22. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Intro to Carbohydrate Metabolism

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3:38 minutes

Problem 81

Textbook Question

Many diabetics suffer blindness due to cataracts. Why is this condition associated with this disease?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the connection between diabetes and cataracts: Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to complications in various parts of the body, including the eyes.

Explain the role of glucose in the lens of the eye: The lens of the eye relies on a delicate balance of proteins and water to maintain its transparency. In diabetics, excess glucose can enter the lens and be converted into sorbitol by the enzyme aldose reductase.

Describe the impact of sorbitol accumulation: Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that does not easily diffuse out of the lens. Its accumulation increases osmotic pressure, causing water to enter the lens. This disrupts the protein structure and leads to clouding of the lens, which is characteristic of cataracts.

Discuss oxidative stress: High glucose levels can also increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lens. These ROS can damage lens proteins and further contribute to cataract formation.

Summarize the link: The combination of sorbitol accumulation, osmotic stress, and oxidative damage in the lens explains why diabetics are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, leading to vision impairment or blindness if untreated.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Diabetes and its Complications

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, including damage to blood vessels and nerves. This damage can affect the eyes, leading to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, which can ultimately result in vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can lead to blurred vision and, if untreated, blindness. In diabetics, elevated glucose levels can cause changes in the lens, leading to increased water content and protein aggregation, which contribute to cataract formation. This makes cataracts a common complication among individuals with diabetes.

Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can lead to oxidative stress, which damages cells and tissues throughout the body, including the eyes. This stress can accelerate the development of cataracts by promoting the formation of free radicals that harm the lens. Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing related eye conditions.

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