NEET-PG 2012 — Biochemistry

Q: In apoptosis, cytochrome C acts through:

Apaf1. ***Apaf1*** - Cytochrome C released from the mitochondria binds to **Apaf1**, which leads to the formation of the **apoptosome** [1][2]. - This complex activates **caspase-9**, initiating the caspase cascade that leads to apoptosis [2]. *TNF* - Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is involved in **necrosis** and **inflammatory processes**, not directly in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. - It activates **caspase-8**, which is part of the **extrinsic pathway**, differing from the role of cytochrome C [1]. *FADD* - FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain) is part of the **death receptor pathway**, linking to caspase-8, not associated with cytochrome C [1]. - It does not play a role in the assembly of the apoptosome like Apaf1 does. *Bcl_2* - Bcl-2 is an **anti-apoptotic protein** that inhibits apoptosis rather than inducing it or acting through cytochrome C [1]. - It functions by preventing the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, thereby opposing the apoptotic process [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 310. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 64-67. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following enzymes does not catalyze a reaction that directly produces ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation?

Hexokinase. ***Correct: Hexokinase*** **Hexokinase** catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from **ATP to glucose**, producing **glucose-6-phosphate** and ADP. This step **consumes ATP** rather than producing it via substrate-level phosphorylation. **Substrate-level phosphorylation** directly synthesizes ATP from ADP by transferring a high-energy phosphate group from a phosphorylated substrate; hexokinase performs the **opposite reaction** (ATP consumption). *Incorrect: Pyruvate kinase* **Pyruvate kinase** catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from **phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)** to ADP, forming **pyruvate** and ATP. This is a classic example of **substrate-level phosphorylation** in glycolysis, directly generating ATP. *Incorrect: Succinate thiokinase* **Succinate thiokinase** (also known as succinyl-CoA synthetase) catalyzes the conversion of **succinyl-CoA to succinate**, simultaneously forming **GTP** (or ATP in some organisms) from GDP (or ADP) and inorganic phosphate. The GTP produced can be converted to ATP through nucleoside diphosphate kinase, representing substrate-level phosphorylation in the TCA cycle. *Incorrect: Phosphoglycerate kinase* **Phosphoglycerate kinase** catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from **1,3-bisphosphoglycerate** to ADP, yielding **3-phosphoglycerate** and ATP. This is a key enzymatic step in glycolysis that directly produces ATP through **substrate-level phosphorylation**. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: The rate-limiting step in glycolysis is catalyzed by?

Phosphofructokinase. ***Phosphofructokinase*** - **Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1)** is the primary regulatory enzyme and **rate-limiting step** in glycolysis. - It catalyzes the irreversible phosphorylation of **fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate**, a crucial commitment step. *Enolase* - **Enolase** catalyzes the conversion of **2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate** in glycolysis. - While essential for glycolysis, it is not the rate-limiting step. *Glucokinase* - **Glucokinase** catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to **glucose-6-phosphate** in the liver and pancreatic beta cells. - This is the first step in glycolysis but is not the rate-limiting step for the entire pathway once glucose has entered the cell. *Pyruvate kinase* - **Pyruvate kinase** catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, converting **phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate**. - Although it is a regulated enzyme, it is not the primary rate-limiting step that controls the overall flux through the glycolytic pathway. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which reaction requires Vitamin B1?

Oxidative decarboxylation. ***Oxidative decarboxylation*** - Vitamin B1, in its active form **thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)**, is a crucial coenzyme for enzymes catalyzing **oxidative decarboxylation** reactions. - Key examples include the **pyruvate dehydrogenase complex** and **alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex**, essential for cellular respiration and the citric acid cycle. *Transamination* - This type of reaction, involving the transfer of an **amino group**, primarily requires **pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)**, the active form of **Vitamin B6**. - It is vital for amino acid metabolism but does not utilize Vitamin B1. *Carboxylation* - **Carboxylation** reactions, which add a carboxyl group to a substrate, typically require **biotin** (Vitamin B7) as a coenzyme. - Examples include pyruvate carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which are not dependent on Vitamin B1. *None of the options* - As **oxidative decarboxylation** specifically requires Vitamin B1, this option is incorrect. - The other listed reactions depend on different vitamins as coenzymes. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Cell-matrix adhesions are mediated by?

Integrins. ***Integrins*** - **Integrins** are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell adhesion to the **extracellular matrix (ECM)**, linking it to the cell's cytoskeleton. - They bind to various ECM components like **fibronectin**, **collagen**, and **laminin**. *Cadherins* - **Cadherins** are primarily involved in **cell-to-cell adhesion**, forming junctions like **adherens junctions** and **desmosomes**. - They are **calcium-dependent adhesion molecules** that do not directly bind to the extracellular matrix. *Selectins* - **Selectins** are cell adhesion molecules involved in **leukocyte rolling** and **adhesion to endothelial cells** during inflammation. - They mediate **transient cell-to-cell interactions**, not cell-matrix adhesion. *Calmodulin* - **Calmodulin** is a **calcium-binding protein** that acts as a signal transducer, regulating various intracellular processes. - It is involved in **calcium-dependent signaling pathways** and enzyme activation, not cell adhesion. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

184 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

184

Questions

In apoptosis, cytochrome C acts through:

Which of the following enzymes does not catalyze a reaction that directly produces ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation?

The rate-limiting step in glycolysis is catalyzed by?

Which reaction requires Vitamin B1?

Cell-matrix adhesions are mediated by?

Mutation in GLUT-2 causes which syndrome?

Which tissue cannot convert glucose 6-phosphate to free glucose due to lack of glucose-6-phosphatase?

Which of the following is monoenoic acid ?

Which of the following statements BEST describes the net ATP production in glycolysis?

Q10

The anticodon region is an important part of which type of RNA?

NEET-PG 2012 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: In apoptosis, cytochrome C acts through:

A. FADD
B. TNF
C. Apaf1 (Correct Answer)
D. Bcl-2

Explanation: ***Apaf1*** - Cytochrome C released from the mitochondria binds to **Apaf1**, which leads to the formation of the **apoptosome** [1][2]. - This complex activates **caspase-9**, initiating the caspase cascade that leads to apoptosis [2]. *TNF* - Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is involved in **necrosis** and **inflammatory processes**, not directly in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. - It activates **caspase-8**, which is part of the **extrinsic pathway**, differing from the role of cytochrome C [1]. *FADD* - FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain) is part of the **death receptor pathway**, linking to caspase-8, not associated with cytochrome C [1]. - It does not play a role in the assembly of the apoptosome like Apaf1 does. *Bcl_2* - Bcl-2 is an **anti-apoptotic protein** that inhibits apoptosis rather than inducing it or acting through cytochrome C [1]. - It functions by preventing the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, thereby opposing the apoptotic process [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 310. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 64-67.

Question 2: Which of the following enzymes does not catalyze a reaction that directly produces ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation?

A. Pyruvate kinase
B. Hexokinase (Correct Answer)
C. Succinate thiokinase
D. Phosphoglycerate kinase

Explanation: ***Correct: Hexokinase*** **Hexokinase** catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from **ATP to glucose**, producing **glucose-6-phosphate** and ADP. This step **consumes ATP** rather than producing it via substrate-level phosphorylation. **Substrate-level phosphorylation** directly synthesizes ATP from ADP by transferring a high-energy phosphate group from a phosphorylated substrate; hexokinase performs the **opposite reaction** (ATP consumption). *Incorrect: Pyruvate kinase* **Pyruvate kinase** catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from **phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)** to ADP, forming **pyruvate** and ATP. This is a classic example of **substrate-level phosphorylation** in glycolysis, directly generating ATP. *Incorrect: Succinate thiokinase* **Succinate thiokinase** (also known as succinyl-CoA synthetase) catalyzes the conversion of **succinyl-CoA to succinate**, simultaneously forming **GTP** (or ATP in some organisms) from GDP (or ADP) and inorganic phosphate. The GTP produced can be converted to ATP through nucleoside diphosphate kinase, representing substrate-level phosphorylation in the TCA cycle. *Incorrect: Phosphoglycerate kinase* **Phosphoglycerate kinase** catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from **1,3-bisphosphoglycerate** to ADP, yielding **3-phosphoglycerate** and ATP. This is a key enzymatic step in glycolysis that directly produces ATP through **substrate-level phosphorylation**.

Question 3: The rate-limiting step in glycolysis is catalyzed by?

A. Phosphofructokinase (Correct Answer)
B. Enolase
C. Glucokinase
D. Pyruvate kinase

Explanation: ***Phosphofructokinase*** - **Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1)** is the primary regulatory enzyme and **rate-limiting step** in glycolysis. - It catalyzes the irreversible phosphorylation of **fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate**, a crucial commitment step. *Enolase* - **Enolase** catalyzes the conversion of **2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate** in glycolysis. - While essential for glycolysis, it is not the rate-limiting step. *Glucokinase* - **Glucokinase** catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to **glucose-6-phosphate** in the liver and pancreatic beta cells. - This is the first step in glycolysis but is not the rate-limiting step for the entire pathway once glucose has entered the cell. *Pyruvate kinase* - **Pyruvate kinase** catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, converting **phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate**. - Although it is a regulated enzyme, it is not the primary rate-limiting step that controls the overall flux through the glycolytic pathway.

Question 4: Which reaction requires Vitamin B1?

A. None of the options
B. Oxidative decarboxylation (Correct Answer)
C. Carboxylation
D. Transamination

Explanation: ***Oxidative decarboxylation*** - Vitamin B1, in its active form **thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)**, is a crucial coenzyme for enzymes catalyzing **oxidative decarboxylation** reactions. - Key examples include the **pyruvate dehydrogenase complex** and **alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex**, essential for cellular respiration and the citric acid cycle. *Transamination* - This type of reaction, involving the transfer of an **amino group**, primarily requires **pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)**, the active form of **Vitamin B6**. - It is vital for amino acid metabolism but does not utilize Vitamin B1. *Carboxylation* - **Carboxylation** reactions, which add a carboxyl group to a substrate, typically require **biotin** (Vitamin B7) as a coenzyme. - Examples include pyruvate carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which are not dependent on Vitamin B1. *None of the options* - As **oxidative decarboxylation** specifically requires Vitamin B1, this option is incorrect. - The other listed reactions depend on different vitamins as coenzymes.

Question 5: Cell-matrix adhesions are mediated by?

A. Integrins (Correct Answer)
B. Selectins
C. Calmodulin
D. Cadherins

Explanation: ***Integrins*** - **Integrins** are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell adhesion to the **extracellular matrix (ECM)**, linking it to the cell's cytoskeleton. - They bind to various ECM components like **fibronectin**, **collagen**, and **laminin**. *Cadherins* - **Cadherins** are primarily involved in **cell-to-cell adhesion**, forming junctions like **adherens junctions** and **desmosomes**. - They are **calcium-dependent adhesion molecules** that do not directly bind to the extracellular matrix. *Selectins* - **Selectins** are cell adhesion molecules involved in **leukocyte rolling** and **adhesion to endothelial cells** during inflammation. - They mediate **transient cell-to-cell interactions**, not cell-matrix adhesion. *Calmodulin* - **Calmodulin** is a **calcium-binding protein** that acts as a signal transducer, regulating various intracellular processes. - It is involved in **calcium-dependent signaling pathways** and enzyme activation, not cell adhesion.

Question 6: Mutation in GLUT-2 causes which syndrome?

A. Dandy walker syndrome
B. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
C. Menke's disease
D. Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Fanconi-Bickel syndrome*** - This syndrome is caused by a **mutation in the GLUT-2 gene**, leading to dysfunctional glucose transport in the liver, kidneys, and intestines. - Key features include **hepatorenal glycogen accumulation**, **renal tubulopathy** (Fanconi syndrome), and **impaired glucose and galactose utilization**. *Dandy-Walker syndrome* - This is a **congenital brain malformation** involving the cerebellum and fourth ventricle. - It is often associated with hydrocephalus, but not directly linked to glucose transporter defects. *Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome* - This is an **overgrowth disorder** characterized by a high risk of childhood cancer and congenital anomalies. - It is primarily caused by genetic abnormalities on **chromosome 11p15.5** and is unrelated to GLUT-2 mutations. *Menke's disease* - This is a rare X-linked recessive disorder of **copper metabolism**, leading to severe neurological degeneration. - It results from mutations in the **ATP7A gene**, which encodes a copper-transporting ATPase.

Question 7: Which tissue cannot convert glucose 6-phosphate to free glucose due to lack of glucose-6-phosphatase?

A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Adipose tissue
D. Muscle (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Muscle*** - Muscle tissue lacks the enzyme **glucose-6-phosphatase**, which is essential for hydrolyzing glucose 6-phosphate back to **free glucose**. - Therefore, glucose 6-phosphate in muscle is primarily used for **glycolysis** (energy production) or stored as glycogen for local use. *Liver* - The liver contains **glucose-6-phosphatase**, allowing it to convert **glucose 6-phosphate** to **free glucose**. - This capability is crucial for maintaining **blood glucose homeostasis** and releasing glucose into circulation. *Adipose tissue* - Adipose tissue, like muscle, **lacks glucose-6-phosphatase** and cannot convert glucose 6-phosphate back to free glucose. - Glucose 6-phosphate in adipose tissue is primarily channeled into **fatty acid synthesis** and storage. *Kidney* - The kidney, particularly the renal cortex, possesses **glucose-6-phosphatase** and can convert glucose 6-phosphate to **free glucose**. - This contributes to **gluconeogenesis** and release of glucose into the blood, especially during fasting.

Question 8: Which of the following is monoenoic acid ?

A. Linoleic acid
B. Oleic acid (Correct Answer)
C. Linolenic acid
D. Arachidonic acid

Explanation: ***Oleic acid*** - **Oleic acid** is a **monounsaturated fatty acid** (MUFA), meaning it has **one double bond** in its hydrocarbon chain. - Its presence in many natural fats and oils makes it a significant component of the human diet. *Arachidonic acid* - **Arachidonic acid** is a **polyunsaturated fatty acid** (PUFA) containing **four double bonds**. - It is a precursor for **eicosanoids**, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, involved in inflammation and other physiological processes. *Linoleic acid* - **Linoleic acid** is an **essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid** with **two double bonds**. - It is crucial for human health and serves as a precursor for other fatty acids like arachidonic acid. *Linolenic acid* - **Linolenic acid** refers to two essential fatty acids: **alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)**, an omega-3 fatty acid with **three double bonds**, and **gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)**, an omega-6 fatty acid also with three double bonds. - Both are **polyunsaturated fatty acids** with multiple double bonds.

Question 9: Which of the following statements BEST describes the net ATP production in glycolysis?

A. Glycolysis produces 2 molecules of pyruvate
B. Glycolysis produces a net gain of 2 ATP per glucose molecule (Correct Answer)
C. Hexokinase consumes ATP during glycolysis
D. Aldolase catalyzes the conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into two three-carbon molecules

Explanation: ***Glycolysis produces a net gain of 2 ATP per glucose molecule*** - In the initial "investment" phase of glycolysis, **2 ATP molecules are consumed** to phosphorylate glucose. - In the subsequent "payoff" phase, **4 ATP molecules are produced** through substrate-level phosphorylation, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP. *Glycolysis produces 2 molecules of pyruvate* - While glycolysis does produce **2 molecules of pyruvate** from one glucose molecule, this statement describes the end product of the pathway, not the net ATP production. - Pyruvate is a crucial product that can be further metabolized in aerobic or anaerobic conditions, but it does not directly represent the energy yield in terms of ATP. *Hexokinase consumes ATP during glycolysis* - **Hexokinase** is indeed the enzyme that catalyzes the first ATP-consuming step in glycolysis, phosphorylating glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. - However, this statement describes only one aspect of ATP utilization within the pathway and does not account for the total ATP produced or the overall net gain. *Aldolase catalyzes the conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into two three-carbon molecules* - **Aldolase** is a key enzyme in glycolysis responsible for cleaving **fructose-1,6-bisphosphate** into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. - This step is part of the preparatory phase of glycolysis but does not directly describe the net ATP production.

Question 10: The anticodon region is an important part of which type of RNA?

A. r-RNA
B. m-RNA
C. t-RNA (Correct Answer)
D. hn-RNA

Explanation: **t-RNA** - The **anticodon region** is a critical component of **transfer RNA (tRNA)**, responsible for recognizing and binding to the complementary codon on mRNA during protein synthesis. - This interaction ensures that the correct **amino acid** is delivered to the growing polypeptide chain according to the genetic code. *r-RNA* - **Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)** is a structural and enzymatic component of **ribosomes**, which are the cellular machinery for protein synthesis. - While rRNA plays a crucial role in forming **peptide bonds** and facilitating translation, it does not possess an anticodon region. *m-RNA* - **Messenger RNA (mRNA)** carries the **genetic code** from DNA to the ribosomes in the form of codons, which specify the sequence of amino acids for protein synthesis. - mRNA molecules have codons, but they do not have an **anticodon region**; instead, they are read by the anticodons of tRNA. *hn-RNA* - **Heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA)** is a precursor to mRNA in eukaryotic cells, containing both exons and introns. - It undergoes extensive processing, including **splicing**, to become mature mRNA, but it does not have an **anticodon region**.