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Amino Acid Catabolism: Understanding the Degradation of Amino Acids for Energy and Nitrogen

Description: This quiz will evaluate your understanding of amino acid catabolism, the process by which amino acids are broken down to generate energy and nitrogen. You will be tested on various aspects of this metabolic pathway, including the different types of amino acid catabolism, the enzymes involved, and the end products formed.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: biochemistry amino acid catabolism nitrogen metabolism
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What is the primary purpose of amino acid catabolism?

  1. To generate energy

  2. To synthesize new amino acids

  3. To detoxify harmful substances

  4. To regulate gene expression


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary purpose of amino acid catabolism is to generate energy in the form of ATP. This process occurs when amino acids are broken down into smaller molecules, which are then oxidized to release energy.

Which of the following is NOT a type of amino acid catabolism?

  1. Transamination

  2. Oxidative deamination

  3. Decarboxylation

  4. Glycolysis


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Glycolysis is not a type of amino acid catabolism. It is a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to generate energy.

What is the first step in the catabolism of most amino acids?

  1. Transamination

  2. Oxidative deamination

  3. Decarboxylation

  4. Hydrolysis


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The first step in the catabolism of most amino acids is transamination, which involves the transfer of an amino group from the amino acid to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new keto acid.

Which enzyme catalyzes the oxidative deamination of glutamate?

  1. Glutamate dehydrogenase

  2. Glutamate transaminase

  3. Glutamate decarboxylase

  4. Glutamate synthase


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Glutamate dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidative deamination of glutamate, converting it to α-ketoglutarate and ammonia.

What is the end product of the catabolism of most amino acids?

  1. Acetyl-CoA

  2. Pyruvate

  3. α-Ketoglutarate

  4. Oxaloacetate


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The end product of the catabolism of most amino acids is acetyl-CoA, which can be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle to generate energy.

Which amino acid is catabolized to form urea?

  1. Glutamate

  2. Aspartate

  3. Arginine

  4. Serine


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Arginine is catabolized to form urea, which is the primary nitrogenous waste product in humans.

What is the name of the cycle that converts glutamate to α-ketoglutarate?

  1. Krebs cycle

  2. Glycolysis

  3. Glutamate-α-ketoglutarate cycle

  4. Pentose phosphate pathway


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The glutamate-α-ketoglutarate cycle is a metabolic pathway that converts glutamate to α-ketoglutarate, which can then be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle to generate energy.

Which amino acid is catabolized to form pyruvate?

  1. Alanine

  2. Serine

  3. Glycine

  4. Threonine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Alanine is catabolized to form pyruvate, which can then be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle to generate energy.

What is the name of the enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of amino acids?

  1. Aminotransferase

  2. Amino acid decarboxylase

  3. Amino acid oxidase

  4. Amino acid synthetase


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Amino acid decarboxylase is the enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of amino acids, removing a carboxyl group and releasing carbon dioxide.

Which amino acid is catabolized to form oxaloacetate?

  1. Aspartate

  2. Glutamate

  3. Arginine

  4. Serine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aspartate is catabolized to form oxaloacetate, which can then be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle to generate energy.

What is the name of the disorder that results from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase?

  1. Phenylketonuria

  2. Albinism

  3. Tyrosinemia

  4. Maple syrup urine disease


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Phenylketonuria is a disorder that results from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine in the blood and urine.

Which amino acid is catabolized to form succinyl-CoA?

  1. Methionine

  2. Isoleucine

  3. Leucine

  4. Valine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Methionine is catabolized to form succinyl-CoA, which can then be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle to generate energy.

What is the name of the disorder that results from a deficiency of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase?

  1. Maple syrup urine disease

  2. Phenylketonuria

  3. Albinism

  4. Tyrosinemia


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Maple syrup urine disease is a disorder that results from a deficiency of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase, an enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of branched-chain amino acids. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of branched-chain amino acids and their corresponding ketoacids in the blood and urine.

Which amino acid is catabolized to form fumarate?

  1. Arginine

  2. Aspartate

  3. Glutamate

  4. Tyrosine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arginine is catabolized to form fumarate, which can then be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle to generate energy.

What is the name of the disorder that results from a deficiency of arginase?

  1. Argininemia

  2. Phenylketonuria

  3. Albinism

  4. Tyrosinemia


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Argininemia is a disorder that results from a deficiency of arginase, an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine to form urea and ornithine. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of arginine in the blood and urine.

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