Textbook Question
What metabolic substrate(s) can be produced from the carbon atoms of each of the following amino acids?
c. methionine
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25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
Amino Acid Catabolism: Carbon Atoms
1:32 minutesProblem 44a
Textbook Question
Name the four compounds within the citric acid cycle that the carbon skeletons of the glucogenic amino acid enter as.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that glucogenic amino acids are those that can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. These amino acids are metabolized into intermediates of the citric acid cycle.
Recall that the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle) is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.
Identify the four key intermediates of the citric acid cycle that glucogenic amino acids can enter as carbon skeletons: oxaloacetate, α-ketoglutarate, succinyl-CoA, and fumarate.
Understand that the carbon skeletons of glucogenic amino acids are converted into these intermediates through transamination or deamination reactions, which remove the amino group and leave behind a keto acid that can enter the cycle.
Recognize that once these intermediates are formed, they can contribute to the production of glucose through gluconeogenesis, as oxaloacetate is a key precursor for glucose synthesis.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Citric Acid Cycle
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a key metabolic pathway that takes place in the mitochondria. It involves a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Understanding this cycle is essential for identifying how glucogenic amino acids contribute to energy production.
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Glucogenic Amino Acids
Glucogenic amino acids are those that can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. They enter metabolic pathways that lead to the production of glucose, particularly during periods of fasting or intense exercise. Recognizing which amino acids are glucogenic helps in understanding their role in the citric acid cycle and energy metabolism.
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Carbon Skeletons
The carbon skeleton of an amino acid refers to the carbon chain that remains after the amino group is removed. This structure can be converted into various intermediates that enter the citric acid cycle. Identifying the specific carbon skeletons of glucogenic amino acids is crucial for determining how they integrate into the cycle and contribute to energy production.
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