NEET-PG 2015 — Biochemistry
112 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
Which of the following enzymes is not part of the fatty acid synthase complex?
What is the immediate source of energy for cellular processes?
Which is the first steroid intermediate formed in the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones?
Chymotrypsinogen is activated into chymotrypsin by:
Which of the following statements about adiponectin is incorrect?
What type of receptor is the insulin receptor?
What is the role of colipase in fat digestion?
Converging point of both pathways in coagulation is at:
Glucagon activates which enzyme ?
Which protein is responsible for conserving iron in the body?
NEET-PG 2015 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Which of the following enzymes is not part of the fatty acid synthase complex?
- A. Enoyl reductase
- B. Ketoacyl synthase
- C. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Correct Answer)
- D. Ketoacyl reductase
Explanation: ***Acetyl-CoA carboxylase*** - **Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)** is a crucial enzyme in fatty acid synthesis, catalyzing the committed and rate-limiting step of converting **acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA**. - While essential for providing the substrates for fatty acid synthase, ACC is a **separate, distinct enzyme** and not structurally part of the fatty acid synthase complex itself. *Ketoacyl reductase* - **Ketoacyl reductase** is an integral enzymatic domain of the fatty acid synthase complex. - It catalyzes the **first reduction step** in the fatty acid synthesis cycle, converting a $\beta$-ketoacyl group to a $\beta$-hydroxyacyl group using NADPH. *Enoyl reductase* - **Enoyl reductase** is an intrinsic enzymatic domain of the fatty acid synthase complex. - It catalyzes the **second reduction step**, converting a trans- $\alpha$, $\beta$-enoyl group to a saturated acyl group using NADPH. *Ketoacyl synthase* - **Ketoacyl synthase (or $\beta$-ketoacyl-ACP synthase)** is a core enzymatic domain within the fatty acid synthase complex. - It catalyzes the **condensation reaction** between the growing acyl chain and malonyl-ACP, forming a $\beta$-ketoacyl-ACP.
Question 2: What is the immediate source of energy for cellular processes?
- A. Cori's cycle
- B. HMP
- C. ATP (Correct Answer)
- D. TCA cycle
Explanation: ***ATP*** - **Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)** is the direct and immediate source of energy for almost all cellular processes, including **muscle contraction**, **active transport**, and **biosynthesis**. - Its high-energy phosphate bonds release energy upon hydrolysis, driving various cellular functions. *Cori's cycle* - The **Cori cycle** involves the interconversion of **lactate** and **glucose** between the muscle and the liver to regenerate glucose stores. - It is an important metabolic pathway for glucose homeostasis during anaerobic conditions, but it does not directly provide immediate energy for cellular processes. *HMP* - The **Hexose Monophosphate Pathway (HMP)**, also known as the **pentose phosphate pathway**, primarily produces **NADPH** and **ribose-5-phosphate**. - While it generates NADPH for reductive biosynthesis and protects against oxidative stress, it is not an immediate source of energy. *TCA cycle* - The **Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle**, or Krebs cycle, is a central metabolic pathway that oxidizes **acetyl-CoA** to produce **ATP**, **NADH**, and **FADH2**. - While it is a major producer of ATP, it is not the *immediate* source; instead, it generates the precursors that fuel oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP.
Question 3: Which is the first steroid intermediate formed in the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones?
- A. Glucocorticoid
- B. Mineralocorticoid
- C. Estradiol
- D. Pregnenolone (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Pregnenolone*** - **Pregnenolone** is the **first steroid intermediate** formed from **cholesterol** in steroidogenesis - The conversion occurs in mitochondria via the **cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc/CYP11A1)** - This is the **rate-limiting step** in steroid hormone biosynthesis - From pregnenolone, all other steroid hormones are subsequently synthesized *Progesterone* - Progesterone is the **second intermediate**, formed from pregnenolone - It serves as a precursor for glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens - Not the first intermediate from cholesterol *Glucocorticoid* - Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol) are **end products**, not intermediates - Formed several steps downstream from cholesterol via pregnenolone and progesterone *Mineralocorticoid* - Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) are **end products**, not intermediates - Synthesized from progesterone through multiple enzymatic steps *Estradiol* - Estradiol is a **late-stage product** synthesized from androgens - Requires aromatase enzyme for conversion from testosterone - Multiple steps removed from the initial cholesterol conversion
Question 4: Chymotrypsinogen is activated into chymotrypsin by:
- A. Trypsin (Correct Answer)
- B. Pepsin
- C. Renin
- D. HCl
Explanation: ***Activation of Chymotrypsinogen by Trypsin*** - **Trypsin** is the primary enzyme responsible for the activation of **chymotrypsinogen** into its active form, **chymotrypsin**, by cleaving a specific peptide bond. - This activation is part of a cascade of proteolytic enzyme activations in the **pancreatic juice**, crucial for protein digestion in the small intestine. *Pepsin* - **Pepsin** is a protease active in the **stomach**, requiring an acidic environment for its activity, and is involved in the initial breakdown of proteins. - It does not play a role in the activation of pancreatic zymogens like chymotrypsinogen; its primary function is protein digestion in the gastric lumen. *Renin* - **Renin** is an enzyme primarily involved in the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system** (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. - Its action involves cleaving **angiotensinogen** to form angiotensin I, and it has no role in the activation of digestive enzymes like chymotrypsinogen. *HCl* - **Hydrochloric acid (HCl)** is produced in the stomach and is essential for providing the acidic environment required for **pepsin's activity** and for denaturing proteins. - While HCl is crucial for digestion, it does not directly activate chymotrypsinogen; this activation is an enzymatic process carried out by another protease.
Question 5: Which of the following statements about adiponectin is incorrect?
- A. Secreted by adipose tissue
- B. Increases FFA oxidation
- C. Lowers glucose
- D. Positive Correlation with BMI (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Positive Correlation with BMI (INCORRECT STATEMENT)*** - Adiponectin levels are **inversely correlated with BMI**, NOT positively correlated; as BMI increases, adiponectin levels generally decrease. - This inverse relationship is significant because lower adiponectin levels are associated with increased insulin resistance and **metabolic syndrome**. - This statement is **false**, making it the correct answer to this question. *Secreted by adipose tissue (Correct statement)* - Adiponectin is a **hormone primarily secreted by adipocytes** (fat cells). - It plays a crucial role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and its secretion is altered in conditions like obesity. - This statement is **true**. *Lowers glucose (Correct statement)* - Adiponectin **enhances insulin sensitivity** in peripheral tissues like skeletal muscle and liver, leading to increased glucose uptake and utilization. - This action helps to **lower blood glucose levels** and improve glycemic control. - This statement is **true**. *Increases FFA oxidation (Correct statement)* - Adiponectin **promotes fatty acid oxidation** in muscle and liver, reducing intracellular lipid accumulation. - By increasing fatty acid burning, it helps to **decrease circulating free fatty acid (FFA) levels**, which can contribute to insulin resistance if elevated. - This statement is **true**.
Question 6: What type of receptor is the insulin receptor?
- A. Guanylyl cyclase
- B. Adenylyl cyclase
- C. IP3-DAG
- D. Tyrosine kinase (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Tyrosine kinase*** - The insulin receptor is a **receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)**, meaning it has intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylates specific tyrosine residues on itself and other intracellular proteins upon insulin binding. - This phosphorylation initiates a **signaling cascade** involving molecules like IRS proteins, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways, leading to glucose uptake and metabolic regulation. *Guanylyl cyclase* - Guanylyl cyclase receptors, such as the **atrial natriuretic peptide receptor**, catalyze the conversion of GTP to **cGMP**, which acts as a second messenger. - This mechanism is distinct from the insulin receptor's direct protein phosphorylation. *Adenylyl cyclase* - Adenylyl cyclase is typically activated by **G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)**, leading to the conversion of ATP to **cAMP**, another second messenger. - The insulin receptor does not couple to G proteins or directly activate adenylyl cyclase. *IP3-DAG* - The **inositol triphosphate (IP3)** and **diacylglycerol (DAG)** pathway is primarily activated by certain **GPCRs** and involves the hydrolysis of PIP2 by phospholipase C, leading to calcium release and protein kinase C activation. - This pathway is not the primary signaling mechanism initiated by the insulin receptor.
Question 7: What is the role of colipase in fat digestion?
- A. Encoded by the gene CLPS
- B. Assists pancreatic lipase in fat digestion (Correct Answer)
- C. Is secreted in an inactive form
- D. Is secreted by pancreatic cells
Explanation: ***Assists pancreatic lipase in fat digestion*** - Colipase **binds to pancreatic lipase** and the **lipid-water interface** of the fat droplet, providing a conformational change that enables lipase to access and hydrolyze triglycerides. - It also prevents bile salts from inactivating pancreatic lipase, ensuring efficient **fat emulsification and digestion**. *Is secreted in an inactive form* - Colipase is secreted as **procolipase** by the pancreas, which is then activated by **trypsin** in the duodenum. - While correct, this option describes its activation rather than its primary role in fat digestion. *Encoded by the gene CLPS* - The gene **CLPS** indeed encodes for colipase, but this is a genetic detail rather than its functional role in the digestive process. - Knowledge of the encoding gene is not directly relevant to understanding its biochemical function in fat digestion. *Is secreted by pancreatic cells* - Colipase is indeed synthesized and secreted by the **pancreas** into the small intestine. - This statement is true but describes the **origin** of colipase, not its specific functional role in fat digestion.
Question 8: Converging point of both pathways in coagulation is at:
- A. Factor VIII
- B. Stuart factor X (Correct Answer)
- C. Factor IX
- D. Factor VII
Explanation: ***Stuart factor X*** [1][2] - It is the main **converging point** of the coagulation cascade, where both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways meet to initiate the common pathway [1]. - Activated factor X leads to the conversion of **prothrombin to thrombin**, pivotal for clot formation [2]. *Factor VII* [2] - Primarily involved in the **extrinsic pathway** of coagulation, activating factor X, but does not serve as a converging point. - Its function is limited to starting the coagulation cascade, particularly upon tissue injury. *Factor IX* [2] - A key component of the **intrinsic pathway**, it leads to the activation of factor X but is not the point where both pathways converge. - It requires **factor VIII** for its activation, further illustrating its role within a specific pathway. *Factor VIII* - Also part of the **intrinsic pathway**, it acts as a cofactor for factor IX but does not integrate both pathways into a common point. - Its deficiency is associated with **Hemophilia A**, underscoring its specific pathway involvement. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Hemodynamic Disorders, Thromboembolic Disease, and Shock, pp. 128-130. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Blood And Bone Marrow Disease, pp. 582-583.
Question 9: Glucagon activates which enzyme ?
- A. Adenylyl cyclase (Correct Answer)
- B. Pepsin
- C. Trypsin
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Adenylyl cyclase*** - **Glucagon** binds to specific G protein-coupled receptors on target cells, activating the **Gαs subunit**. - The activated **Gαs subunit** then stimulates **adenylyl cyclase**, leading to the production of **cyclic AMP (cAMP)**, which mediates glucagon's metabolic effects. *Pepsin* - **Pepsin** is a protease produced in the stomach, involved in protein digestion, and its activity is regulated by **gastrin** and **acid secretion**, not glucagon. - It is synthesized as **pepsinogen** and activated by hydrochloric acid (HCl) at low pH. *Trypsin* - **Trypsin** is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine, primarily involved in protein digestion. - Its activation is dependent on **enteropeptidase**, which cleaves **trypsinogen**, and its activity is not directly regulated by glucagon. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **adenylyl cyclase** is indeed activated by glucagon as part of its signaling pathway.
Question 10: Which protein is responsible for conserving iron in the body?
- A. Ferritin (Correct Answer)
- B. Hepcidin
- C. Hemopexin
- D. Transferrin
Explanation: ***Ferritin*** - **Ferritin** is the primary intracellular protein that **conserves iron** in the body by storing it in a safe, non-toxic, and bioavailable form - It is found mainly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, serving as the body's **iron reserve** - When iron is abundant, ferritin stores it; when iron is needed, ferritin releases it, thus **conserving iron for future use** - Serum ferritin levels directly reflect total body iron stores *Hepcidin* - **Hepcidin** is a regulatory peptide hormone that controls iron homeostasis by inhibiting **ferroportin**, the iron export channel - It reduces iron absorption from the intestine and iron release from macrophages during inflammation or iron overload - While it regulates iron distribution, it is a hormone, not a storage protein, and does not directly conserve iron within cells *Hemopexin* - **Hemopexin** binds free **heme** in plasma, preventing oxidative damage and delivering it to the liver for catabolism - It helps recover iron from heme but does not store or conserve iron in the body *Transferrin* - **Transferrin** is a plasma protein that **transports iron** from absorption sites (intestine) and storage sites (liver, spleen) to tissues that need it - Its role is iron delivery, not conservation or storage