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

25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism

Amino Acid Catabolism: Carbon Atoms

GOB Chemistry

25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism

Amino Acid Catabolism: Carbon Atoms

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2:21 minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

Three metabolites that can result from the breakdown of the carbon skeleton of amino acids are ketone bodies, acetyl-CoA, and glucose. Briefly describe how each of these metabolites can be produced from amino acid catabolism.

Verified step by step guidance

Amino acids are first deaminated, meaning their amino group (-NH2) is removed, leaving behind a carbon skeleton. This carbon skeleton can then enter various metabolic pathways depending on its structure.

Ketone bodies are produced when the carbon skeletons of ketogenic amino acids are converted into intermediates like acetoacetate or beta-hydroxybutyrate. These intermediates are formed during ketogenesis, which occurs in the liver, especially under conditions of low carbohydrate availability (e.g., fasting).

Acetyl-CoA is formed when the carbon skeletons of certain amino acids (both ketogenic and glucogenic) are broken down into two-carbon units. These units are then combined with coenzyme A to form acetyl-CoA, which can enter the citric acid cycle or be used for fatty acid synthesis.

Glucose is produced from the carbon skeletons of glucogenic amino acids through gluconeogenesis. These amino acids are converted into intermediates of the citric acid cycle (e.g., oxaloacetate) or other gluconeogenic precursors, which are then used to synthesize glucose in the liver or kidneys.

The specific pathway (ketone body formation, acetyl-CoA production, or glucose synthesis) depends on the type of amino acid (ketogenic, glucogenic, or both) and the metabolic needs of the body at the time of catabolism.

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Key Concepts

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

Amino Acid Catabolism

Amino acid catabolism refers to the metabolic process where amino acids are broken down to produce energy or convert into other compounds. This process involves deamination, where the amino group is removed, allowing the carbon skeleton to enter various metabolic pathways, ultimately leading to the production of key metabolites like glucose, acetyl-CoA, and ketone bodies.

Acetyl-CoA Production

Acetyl-CoA is a central metabolite in energy production and biosynthesis. It can be produced from the breakdown of certain amino acids through a process called oxidative deamination, where the carbon skeleton is converted into acetyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle to generate ATP or serve as a building block for fatty acid synthesis.

Ketone Bodies

Ketone bodies are water-soluble molecules produced in the liver from fatty acids and, to a lesser extent, from the catabolism of certain amino acids. During periods of low carbohydrate availability, such as fasting or prolonged exercise, amino acids can be converted into acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate, which serve as alternative energy sources for tissues, particularly the brain.