Deficiencies in the conversion of Pyruvate to Acetyl CoA may result in severe neurological developmental defects in children. A child presents with these symptoms. Tests reveal that this child has abnormally high levels of CoA-SH in mitochondria and low levels of Acetyl CoA. Further analyses show acetyl lipoamide ester levels are high. (a) What is your diagnosis on the specific enzyme deficiency in this child that may be causing the symptoms? (b) Explain in 3 – 5 sentences
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain, also known as the electron transport system, is a group of proteins that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria to create a gradient of protons that drives adenosine triphosphate (ATP)synthesis. The cell uses ATP as an energy source for metabolic processes and cellular functions. ETC involves series of reactions that convert redox energy from NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)) and FADH2(flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)) oxidation into proton-motive force(PMF), which is then used to synthesize ATP through conformational changes in the ATP synthase complex, a process known as oxidative phosphorylation.
Metabolism
Picture a campfire. It keeps the body warm on a cold night and provides light. To ensure that the fire keeps burning, fuel needs to be added(pieces of wood in this case). When a small piece is added, the fire burns bright for a bit and then dies down unless more wood is added. But, if too many pieces are placed at a time, the fire escalates and burns for a longer time, without actually burning away all the pieces that have been added. Many of them, especially the larger chunks or damp pieces, remain unburnt.
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the cellular process involved in the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules from the organic nutritional source obtained from the diet. It is a universal process observed in all types of life forms. The glucose (chemical formula C6H12O6) molecules are the preferred raw material for cell respiration as it possesses a simple structure and is highly efficient in nature.
Deficiencies in the conversion of Pyruvate to Acetyl CoA may result in severe neurological developmental defects in children. A child presents with these symptoms. Tests reveal that this child has abnormally high levels of CoA-SH in mitochondria and low levels of Acetyl CoA. Further analyses show acetyl lipoamide ester levels are high.
(a) What is your diagnosis on the specific enzyme deficiency in this child that may be causing the symptoms?
(b) Explain in 3 – 5 sentences
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