What are the typical fates for fatty acids in the liver (select all that apply)? O They are oxidized and converted into ketone bodies. O They are oxidized to yield acetyl-CoA and NADPH. O They are used to synthesize triacylglycerol. O They are oxidized and converted into glucose. O They are oxidized and used in the synthesis of cholesterol.

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
### Typical Fates of Fatty Acids in the Liver

The liver plays a central role in fatty acid metabolism, handling these molecules in several key ways. Below is a multiple-choice question aimed at understanding the various pathways fatty acids can undergo in the liver. 

#### Question:
**What are the typical fates for fatty acids in the liver (select all that apply)?**

- [ ] They are oxidized and converted into ketone bodies.
- [ ] They are oxidized to yield acetyl-CoA and NADPH.
- [ ] They are used to synthesize triacylglycerol.
- [ ] They are oxidized and converted into glucose.
- [ ] They are oxidized and used in the synthesis of cholesterol.

### Explanation:

#### 1. Conversion into Ketone Bodies:
Fatty acids can be oxidized in the liver through a process known as beta-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA, which then serves as a substrate for ketogenesis. This leads to the formation of ketone bodies, which are an alternative energy source utilized primarily during fasting or low carbohydrate intake.

#### 2. Yielding Acetyl-CoA and NADPH:
During fatty acid oxidation, acetyl-CoA is an end product that enters the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) to produce energy. NADPH is typically not directly produced in significant amounts through fatty acid oxidation; its generation is primarily associated with the pentose phosphate pathway and fatty acid biosynthesis rather than degradation.

#### 3. Synthesis of Triacylglycerol:
Fatty acids can be esterified with glycerol to form triacylglycerol (triglycerides), which are stored in liver cells or transported to adipose tissue for long-term storage.

#### 4. Conversion into Glucose:
Fatty acids are generally not converted into glucose. The human body lacks the metabolic pathway required to convert acetyl-CoA (derived from fatty acid oxidation) back into glucose, a process known as gluconeogenesis.

#### 5. Synthesis of Cholesterol:
Acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acid oxidation can be used as a starting material for the synthesis of cholesterol. This is an essential pathway for steroid hormone production and cell membrane structure maintenance.

Understanding these key metabolic pathways is essential for comprehending liver physiology and its role in energy metabolism.
Transcribed Image Text:### Typical Fates of Fatty Acids in the Liver The liver plays a central role in fatty acid metabolism, handling these molecules in several key ways. Below is a multiple-choice question aimed at understanding the various pathways fatty acids can undergo in the liver. #### Question: **What are the typical fates for fatty acids in the liver (select all that apply)?** - [ ] They are oxidized and converted into ketone bodies. - [ ] They are oxidized to yield acetyl-CoA and NADPH. - [ ] They are used to synthesize triacylglycerol. - [ ] They are oxidized and converted into glucose. - [ ] They are oxidized and used in the synthesis of cholesterol. ### Explanation: #### 1. Conversion into Ketone Bodies: Fatty acids can be oxidized in the liver through a process known as beta-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA, which then serves as a substrate for ketogenesis. This leads to the formation of ketone bodies, which are an alternative energy source utilized primarily during fasting or low carbohydrate intake. #### 2. Yielding Acetyl-CoA and NADPH: During fatty acid oxidation, acetyl-CoA is an end product that enters the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) to produce energy. NADPH is typically not directly produced in significant amounts through fatty acid oxidation; its generation is primarily associated with the pentose phosphate pathway and fatty acid biosynthesis rather than degradation. #### 3. Synthesis of Triacylglycerol: Fatty acids can be esterified with glycerol to form triacylglycerol (triglycerides), which are stored in liver cells or transported to adipose tissue for long-term storage. #### 4. Conversion into Glucose: Fatty acids are generally not converted into glucose. The human body lacks the metabolic pathway required to convert acetyl-CoA (derived from fatty acid oxidation) back into glucose, a process known as gluconeogenesis. #### 5. Synthesis of Cholesterol: Acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acid oxidation can be used as a starting material for the synthesis of cholesterol. This is an essential pathway for steroid hormone production and cell membrane structure maintenance. Understanding these key metabolic pathways is essential for comprehending liver physiology and its role in energy metabolism.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Carbohydrates
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY