Biochemistry
10 questionsWhich of the following processes does not occur in mitochondria?
Which of the following is a non-essential amino acid?
Chemiosmotic coupling of oxidative phosphorylation is related to which of the following?
Mutation in GLUT-2 causes which syndrome?
Where does oxidative deamination primarily occur in the human body?
Which of the following is monoenoic acid ?
What is the coenzyme form of pyridoxine?
Which of the following requires vitamin B12?
Which of the following enzymes is not involved in the urea cycle?
Which of the following micronutrient deficiencies can lead to anemia?
NEET-PG 2012 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 241: Which of the following processes does not occur in mitochondria?
- A. Fatty acid oxidation
- B. Electron transport chain
- C. Glycogenolysis (Correct Answer)
- D. Citric acid cycle (Kreb's cycle)
Explanation: ***Glycogenolysis*** - **Glycogenolysis** is the breakdown of **glycogen** into glucose, which primarily occurs in the **cytosol** of cells, mainly in the liver and muscles. - This process is crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels and providing energy during periods of fasting or increased demand, and it does not take place within the mitochondria. *Fatty acid oxidation* - **Fatty acid oxidation**, also known as beta-oxidation, is a mitochondrial process that breaks down fatty acids into **acetyl-CoA** for energy production. - This occurs extensively within the mitochondrial matrix, producing ATP. *Electron transport chain* - The **electron transport chain** is located in the **inner mitochondrial membrane** and is the final stage of aerobic respiration, producing the majority of ATP. - It involves a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons to oxygen, creating a proton gradient for ATP synthesis. *Citric acid cycle (Kreb's cycle)* - The **citric acid cycle**, or **Krebs cycle**, is a central metabolic pathway that occurs in the **mitochondrial matrix**. - It oxidizes acetyl-CoA, derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
Question 242: Which of the following is a non-essential amino acid?
- A. Tyrosine (Correct Answer)
- B. Phenylalanine
- C. Lysine
- D. Threonine
Explanation: ***Tyrosine*** - **Tyrosine** is considered a **non-essential amino acid** because the human body can synthesize it from the essential amino acid **phenylalanine**. - This synthesis occurs via the enzyme **phenylalanine hydroxylase**, making its dietary intake not strictly necessary if phenylalanine is available. *Phenylalanine* - **Phenylalanine** is an **essential amino acid**, meaning the human body **cannot synthesize it** and it must be obtained through the diet. - It serves as a precursor for various important molecules, including tyrosine, contributing to neurotransmitter synthesis. *Lysine* - **Lysine** is an **essential amino acid** that the human body **cannot synthesize** and must be acquired from dietary sources. - It plays a crucial role in **protein synthesis**, calcium absorption, and the production of hormones and enzymes. *Threonine* - **Threonine** is another example of an **essential amino acid** that the human body is **unable to produce** on its own. - It is important for the formation of **collagen** and elastin, and contributes to immune function.
Question 243: Chemiosmotic coupling of oxidative phosphorylation is related to which of the following?
- A. ATP generation by pumping of neutrons
- B. Formation of ATP at substrate level
- C. ATP generation by pumping of protons (Correct Answer)
- D. ATP formation by transport of electrons
Explanation: ***ATP generation by pumping of protons*** - **Chemiosmotic coupling** links the electron transport chain's activity to ATP synthesis through the generation of a **proton gradient** across the inner mitochondrial membrane. - The energy released from the flow of electrons through complexes I, III, and IV is used to pump protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a **proton motive force** that drives ATP synthase. *Formation of ATP at substrate level* - **Substrate-level phosphorylation** involves the direct transfer of a phosphate group from a high-energy substrate to ADP to form ATP, independently of a proton gradient. - This process occurs in reactions like those in **glycolysis** and the **Krebs cycle**, not in oxidative phosphorylation via chemiosmosis. *ATP generation by pumping of neutrons* - **Neutrons** are subatomic particles with no electric charge and are not involved in biological processes like ATP generation or membrane transport. - Pumping of neutrons has no physiological relevance in cellular energy metabolism. *ATP formation by transport of electrons* - While **electron transport** is an integral part of oxidative phosphorylation, it does not directly form ATP. - The energy released during electron transport is used to create the **proton gradient** (chemiosmotic coupling), which then drives ATP synthesis, rather than ATP being formed directly by electron movement.
Question 244: 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 245: Where does oxidative deamination primarily occur in the human body?
- A. Cytoplasm of all cells
- B. Mitochondria of all cells
- C. Cytoplasm of liver cells
- D. Mitochondria of liver cells (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Mitochondria of liver cells*** - **Oxidative deamination**, particularly of glutamate, is a central process in **amino acid catabolism** and occurs predominantly in the **mitochondria of liver cells**. - This process is crucial for removing the **amino group (NH3)** from amino acids, forming ammonia, which is then detoxified into urea. *Cytoplasm of all cells* - While cells have cytoplasmic metabolic pathways, the primary enzyme for oxidative deamination, **glutamate dehydrogenase**, is located in the mitochondria. - The cytoplasm primarily handles glycolysis and various synthetic pathways, but not the bulk of oxidative deamination. *Mitochondria of all cells* - Although mitochondria are the site of oxidative metabolism in most cells, the **liver** is the main organ responsible for processing exogenous amino acids and their subsequent comprehensive deamination. - Other cells perform some amino acid metabolism, but not the large-scale oxidative deamination seen in the liver. *Cytoplasm of liver cells* - The cytoplasm of liver cells is involved in various metabolic processes, including gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. - However, the key enzymes for oxidative deamination are specifically compartmentalized within the **mitochondria** of these cells, not the cytoplasm.
Question 246: 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 247: What is the coenzyme form of pyridoxine?
- A. ADP
- B. NAD
- C. PLP (Correct Answer)
- D. FAD
Explanation: ***PLP*** - **Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)** is the active coenzyme form of **pyridoxine (vitamin B6)**. - It plays a crucial role in numerous metabolic reactions, particularly those involving **amino acid metabolism**. *ADP* - **Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)** is an important molecule in energy transfer, particularly in the formation of **ATP (adenosine triphosphate)**. - It is not a coenzyme form of any vitamin, but rather a **nucleotide**. *NAD* - **Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)** is a coenzyme derived from **niacin (vitamin B3)**. - It functions as an electron carrier in **redox reactions** and is vital for cellular respiration. *FAD* - **Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)** is a coenzyme derived from **riboflavin (vitamin B2)**. - It also serves as an electron carrier in **redox reactions**, particularly in the electron transport chain.
Question 248: Which of the following requires vitamin B12?
- A. Conversion of serine to lysine
- B. Conversion of serine to glycine
- C. Conversion of glutamine to glutamate
- D. Conversion of homocysteine to methionine (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Homocysteine to methionine*** - The conversion of **homocysteine to methionine** is catalyzed by **methionine synthase**, an enzyme that requires **vitamin B12** (cobalamin) as a cofactor. - **Vitamin B12** facilitates the transfer of a methyl group from **methyltetrahydrofolate** to homocysteine, forming methionine. *Conversion of serine to lysine* - The metabolism of **serine to lysine** involves multiple steps and different enzymes, but it does not directly require **vitamin B12**. - Lysine is an **essential amino acid** and is primarily obtained from dietary sources or synthesized through complex pathways. *Conversion of serine to glycine* - The conversion of **serine to glycine** is catalyzed by **serine hydroxymethyltransferase**, which requires **tetrahydrofolate (THF)** as a cofactor, not vitamin B12. - This reaction generates **5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate**, an important one-carbon donor. *Conversion of glutamine to glutamate* - The conversion of **glutamine to glutamate** is primarily catalyzed by **glutaminase**, an enzyme that does not require **vitamin B12**. - This reaction involves the removal of an **ammonia group** from glutamine to form glutamate.
Question 249: Which of the following enzymes is not involved in the urea cycle?
- A. Arginase
- B. Argininosuccinate lyase
- C. CPS-II (Correct Answer)
- D. CPS-I
Explanation: ***CPS-II*** - Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase II is involved in **pyrimidine synthesis**, not the urea cycle. - It uses **glutamine** as a nitrogen donor and is located in the **cytosol**. *CPS-I* - Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I is the **rate-limiting enzyme** of the urea cycle. - It catalyzes the formation of **carbamoyl phosphate** from **ammonia**, CO2, and ATP in the mitochondria. *Arginase* - Arginase is the **final enzyme** in the urea cycle, converting **arginine** to **ornithine** and **urea**. - This reaction occurs in the cytosol and releases urea for excretion. *Argininosuccinate lyase* - Argininosuccinate lyase catalyzes the cleavage of **argininosuccinate** into **fumarate** and **arginine**. - This is a key step in regenerating arginine for the final step of the urea cycle.
Question 250: Which of the following micronutrient deficiencies can lead to anemia?
- A. Molybdenum
- B. Copper (Correct Answer)
- C. Fluorine
- D. Selenium
Explanation: ***Copper*** - **Copper** is essential for **iron metabolism** and red blood cell formation; its deficiency can lead to **sideroblastic anemia** (often with microcytic or normocytic features) that may be accompanied by neutropenia. - Copper is required for **ceruloplasmin** function, which is necessary for iron mobilization from stores and incorporation into hemoglobin. - It also plays a role in the function of **superoxide dismutase** and **cytochrome c oxidase**, enzymes involved in antioxidant defense and energy production. *Molybdenum* - **Molybdenum** is a cofactor for several enzymes, including **xanthine oxidase** and **sulfite oxidase**, crucial for purine metabolism and detoxification. - While essential, its deficiency does not typically lead to **anemia** in humans. *Selenium* - **Selenium** is a component of selenoproteins, such as **glutathione peroxidase**, which protect cells from oxidative damage. - Deficiency is associated with conditions like **Keshan disease** (cardiomyopathy) but not primary anemia. *Fluorine* - **Fluorine** (as fluoride) is primarily known for its role in **bone and tooth mineralization**, protecting against dental caries. - It does not directly participate in **hematopoiesis** or iron metabolism, and its deficiency is not linked to anemia.