Chapter 18: Amino Acid Oxidation And The Production Of Urea

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  • 1/27 Questions

    Pyridoxal phosphate is a cofactor in this class of reactions:

    • Acetylation.
    • Desulfuration.
    • Methylation.
    • Reduction.
    • Transamination.
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About This Quiz

This quiz from Chapter 18 focuses on amino acid oxidation and urea production, assessing knowledge on proteases in the small intestine, zymogens, and critical enzymes like enteropeptidase and transaminases. It's essential for students understanding biochemical pathways and enzyme functions.

Chapter 18: Amino Acid Oxidation And The Production Of Urea - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The coenzyme involved in a transaminase reaction is:

    • Biotin phosphate.

    • Lipoic acid.

    • Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+).

    • Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

    • Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP).

    Correct Answer
    A. Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).
    Explanation
    Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is the correct answer because it is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in transaminase reactions. Transaminases are enzymes that transfer an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid and a new keto acid. PLP acts as a cofactor for transaminases by forming a Schiff base with the amino acid substrate, allowing the transfer of the amino group to occur. This coenzyme is derived from vitamin B6 and is essential for amino acid metabolism.

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  • 3. 

    Urea synthesis in mammals takes place primarily in tissues of the:

    • Brain.

    • Kidney.

    • Liver.

    • Skeletal muscle.

    • Small intestine.

    Correct Answer
    A. Liver.
    Explanation
    Urea synthesis in mammals primarily occurs in the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of nitrogenous waste products, such as ammonia, which are produced during the breakdown of proteins. The liver converts ammonia into urea through a series of enzymatic reactions in a process called the urea cycle. Urea is then transported to the kidneys for excretion in urine. While other organs may also play a minor role in urea synthesis, the liver is the primary site for this process.

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  • 4. 

    The coenzyme required for all transaminations is derived from:

    • Niacin.

    • Pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

    • Riboflavin.

    • Thiamin.

    • Vitamin B12.

    Correct Answer
    A. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
    Explanation
    Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is the correct answer because it is required as a coenzyme for all transaminations. Transaminations are a group of chemical reactions that involve the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another. Pyridoxine is necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes involved in these reactions, making it essential for amino acid metabolism. Niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B12 are not specifically involved in all transaminations, making them incorrect choices.

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  • 5. 

    Transamination from alanine to alpha-ketoglutarate requires the coenzyme:

    • Biotin.

    • NADH.

    • No coenzyme is involved.

    • Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

    • Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP).

    Correct Answer
    A. Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).
    Explanation
    Transamination is a process in which an amino group is transferred from an amino acid to a keto acid. In this case, the amino group from alanine is transferred to alpha-ketoglutarate to form glutamate. This reaction requires the presence of a coenzyme, which is pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). PLP acts as a cofactor and facilitates the transfer of the amino group. Biotin, NADH, and thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) are not involved in this specific reaction.

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  • 6. 

    Conversion of ornithine to citrulline is a step in the synthesis of:

    • Aspartate.

    • Carnitine.

    • Pyruvate.

    • Tyrosine.

    • Urea.

    Correct Answer
    A. Urea.
    Explanation
    The conversion of ornithine to citrulline is a step in the synthesis of urea. Urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver from the breakdown of proteins. Ornithine is an amino acid that is involved in the urea cycle, which is the process by which ammonia is converted into urea for excretion. Citrulline is an intermediate in this cycle and is converted further to form arginine, another amino acid involved in the urea cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is urea.

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  • 7. 

    If a person's urine contains unusually high concentrations of urea, which one of the following diets has he or she probably been eating recently?

    • High carbohydrate, very low protein

    • Very high carbohydrate, no protein, no fat

    • Very very high fat, high carbohydrate, no protein

    • Very high fat, very low protein

    • Very low carbohydrate, very high protein

    Correct Answer
    A. Very low carbohydrate, very high protein
    Explanation
    A person's urine contains urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. If a person's urine contains unusually high concentrations of urea, it suggests that they have been consuming a diet that is very low in carbohydrates and very high in protein. This is because the body breaks down protein into urea during metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is "Very low carbohydrate, very high protein."

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  • 8. 

    Which substance is not involved in the production of urea from NH4+ via the urea cycle?

    • Aspartate

    • ATP

    • Carbamoyl phosphate

    • Malate

    • Ornithine

    Correct Answer
    A. Malate
    Explanation
    Malate is not involved in the production of urea from NH4+ via the urea cycle. The urea cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the liver to convert toxic ammonia into urea, which can be safely excreted by the body. Malate is not one of the substrates or intermediates involved in this process. The correct substances involved in the urea cycle are aspartate, ATP, carbamoyl phosphate, and ornithine.

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  • 9. 

    In amino acid catabolism, the first reaction for many amino acids is a(n):

    • Decarboxylation requiring thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP).

    • Hydroxylation requiring NADPH and O2.

    • Oxidative deamination requiring NAD+.

    • Reduction requiring pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

    • Transamination requiring pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

    Correct Answer
    A. Transamination requiring pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).
    Explanation
    The correct answer is transamination requiring pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). Transamination is the process by which an amino group is transferred from one amino acid to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new keto acid. This reaction is catalyzed by enzymes known as transaminases, which require the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) to function. PLP acts as a carrier for the amino group, facilitating its transfer between the amino acid and the keto acid. Therefore, transamination is the first reaction in amino acid catabolism for many amino acids.

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  • 10. 

    The conversion of glutamate to an alpha-ketoacid and NH4+:

    • Does not require any cofactors.

    • Is a reductive deamination.

    • Is accompanied by ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by the same enzyme.

    • Is catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase.

    • Requires ATP.

    Correct Answer
    A. Is catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase.
    Explanation
    The conversion of glutamate to an alpha-ketoacid and NH4+ is catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase. This enzyme facilitates the transfer of an amino group from glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate, forming an alpha-ketoacid and releasing ammonia. Glutamate dehydrogenase does not require any cofactors for this reaction and does not involve ATP hydrolysis. Therefore, the correct answer is that the conversion is catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase.

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  • 11. 

    The amino acids serine, alanine, and cysteine can be catabolized to yield:

    • Fumarate.

    • Pyruvate.

    • Succinate.

    • Alpha-ketoglutarate.

    • None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. Pyruvate.
    Explanation
    Serine, alanine, and cysteine can undergo catabolism to produce pyruvate. Catabolism refers to the breakdown of molecules to release energy. In this case, these amino acids can be broken down through various metabolic pathways, ultimately leading to the production of pyruvate. Pyruvate is a crucial molecule in cellular metabolism as it can be further metabolized to produce ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. Therefore, the correct answer is pyruvate.

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  • 12. 

    In the urea cycle, ornithine transcarbamoylase catalyzes:

    • Cleavage of urea to ammonia.

    • Formation of citrulline from ornithine and another reactant.

    • Formation of ornithine from citrulline and another reactant.

    • Formation of urea from arginine.

    • Transamination of arginine.

    Correct Answer
    A. Formation of citrulline from ornithine and another reactant.
    Explanation
    Ornithine transcarbamoylase is an enzyme involved in the urea cycle. It catalyzes the formation of citrulline from ornithine and another reactant. The urea cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the liver and kidneys to remove toxic ammonia from the body. Ornithine transcarbamoylase specifically helps in the conversion of ornithine, an amino acid, into citrulline, which is further metabolized in the urea cycle to produce urea. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the detoxification of ammonia and the production of urea.

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  • 13. 

    Which of these amino acids can be directly converted into a citric acid cycle intermediate by transamination?

    • Glutamic acid

    • Serine

    • Threonine

    • Tyrosine

    • Proline

    Correct Answer
    A. Glutamic acid
    Explanation
    Glutamic acid can be directly converted into a citric acid cycle intermediate by transamination. Transamination is a process in which an amino group is transferred from one amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid and a new keto acid. Glutamic acid can donate its amino group to form α-ketoglutarate, which is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. Therefore, glutamic acid can directly enter the citric acid cycle through transamination.

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  • 14. 

    Which of these amino acids are both ketogenic and glucogenic? 1. Isoleucine 2. Valine 3. Histidine 4. Arginine 5. Tyrosine

    • 1 and 5

    • 1, 3, and 5

    • 2 and 4

    • 2, 3, and 4

    • 2, 4, and 5

    Correct Answer
    A. 1 and 5
    Explanation
    Isoleucine and tyrosine are both ketogenic and glucogenic amino acids.

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  • 15. 

    The human genetic disease phenylketonuria (PKU) can result from:

    • Deficiency of protein in the diet.

    • Inability to catabolize ketone bodies.

    • Inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine.

    • Inability to synthesize phenylalanine.

    • Production of enzymes containing no phenylalanine.

    Correct Answer
    A. Inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine.
    Explanation
    Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that occurs due to the inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is normally converted to tyrosine by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. However, individuals with PKU lack this enzyme or have a defective form of it, leading to a buildup of phenylalanine in the body. This buildup can cause intellectual disability, developmental delays, and other health problems. Therefore, the inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine is the correct explanation for PKU.

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  • 16. 

    Which of these directly donates a nitrogen atom for the formation of urea during the urea cycle?

    • Adenine

    • Aspartate

    • Creatinine

    • Glutamate

    • Ornithine

    Correct Answer
    A. Aspartate
    Explanation
    Aspartate directly donates a nitrogen atom for the formation of urea during the urea cycle. The urea cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the liver, and it is responsible for removing toxic ammonia from the body. Aspartate is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in this process by providing a nitrogen atom that is incorporated into urea. This nitrogen atom comes from the amino group of aspartate, which is then transferred to other molecules in the urea cycle to ultimately form urea.

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  • 17. 

    Serine or cysteine may enter the citric acid cycle as acetyl-CoA after conversion to:

    • Oxaloacetate.

    • Propionate.

    • Pyruvate.

    • Succinate.

    • Succinyl-CoA

    Correct Answer
    A. Pyruvate.
    Explanation
    Serine or cysteine can be converted to pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Pyruvate is an intermediate molecule in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It is formed from the breakdown of glucose during glycolysis and serves as a substrate for the citric acid cycle. Therefore, serine or cysteine can be metabolized to pyruvate and then enter the citric acid cycle as acetyl-CoA.

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  • 18. 

    Glutamate is metabolically converted to alpha-ketoglutarate and NH4+ by a process described as:

    • Deamination.

    • Hydrolysis.

    • Oxidative deamination.

    • Reductive deamination.

    • Transamination.

    Correct Answer
    A. Oxidative deamination.
    Explanation
    Glutamate is metabolically converted to alpha-ketoglutarate and NH4+ through the process of oxidative deamination. This process involves the removal of an amine group from glutamate, resulting in the formation of alpha-ketoglutarate and the release of ammonia. This process is important in the metabolism of amino acids and is catalyzed by the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following statements is false in reference to the mammalian synthesis of urea?

    • Krebs was a major contributor to the elucidation of the pathway involved.

    • The amino acid arginine is the immediate precursor to urea.

    • The carbon atom of urea is derived from mitochondrial HCO3–.

    • The precursor to one of the nitrogens of urea is aspartate.

    • The process of urea production is an energy-yielding series of reactions.

    Correct Answer
    A. The process of urea production is an energy-yielding series of reactions.
    Explanation
    Krebs' contribution to the elucidation of the pathway involved in mammalian synthesis of urea is true. The statement about the amino acid arginine being the immediate precursor to urea is also true. Additionally, the statement that the carbon atom of urea is derived from mitochondrial HCO3– is true. The precursor to one of the nitrogens of urea being aspartate is also true. However, the statement that the process of urea production is an energy-yielding series of reactions is false. The synthesis of urea requires the input of energy, specifically in the form of ATP.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following amino acids are essential for humans?

    • Alanine

    • Aspartic acid

    • Asparagine

    • Serine

    • Threonine

    Correct Answer
    A. Threonine
    Explanation
    Threonine is one of the essential amino acids for humans. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet. Threonine is important for the synthesis of proteins and the production of other amino acids. It is also involved in the formation of collagen and elastin, which are important for the structure and elasticity of skin and connective tissues. Threonine is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of overall health.

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  • 21. 

    Which of the following conversions require more than one step? 1. Alanine --> pyruvate 2. Aspartate --> oxaloacetate 3. Glutamate --> ketoglutarate 4. Phenylalanine --> hydroxyphenylpyruvate 5. Proline --> glutamate

    • 1 and 4

    • 1, 2 and 4

    • 1, 3 and 5

    • 2, 4 and 5

    • 4 and 5

    Correct Answer
    A. 4 and 5
    Explanation
    The conversions that require more than one step are 4 and 5. This can be inferred because the other options only include one conversion each, while options 4 and 5 include multiple conversions.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following is not true of the reaction catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase?

    • It is similar to transamination in that it involves the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

    • NH4+ is produced.

    • The enzyme can use either NAD+ or NADP+ as a cofactor.

    • The enzyme is glutamate-specific, but the reaction is involved in oxidizing other amino acids.

    • Alpha-Ketoglutarate is produced from an amino acid.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is similar to transamination in that it involves the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).
    Explanation
    The reaction catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase is not similar to transamination in that it involves the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

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  • 23. 

    Which of these is not a protease that acts in the small intestine?

    • Chymotrypsin

    • Elastase

    • Enteropeptidase

    • Secretin

    • Trypsin

    Correct Answer
    A. Secretin
    Explanation
    Secretin is not a protease that acts in the small intestine. It is a hormone that is released by the duodenum in response to acidic chyme from the stomach. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate ions into the small intestine to neutralize the acidity of the chyme. It does not have any proteolytic activity and does not directly break down proteins like the other enzymes listed (chymotrypsin, elastase, enteropeptidase, and trypsin).

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  • 24. 

    In the digestion of protein that occurs in the small intestine, which enzyme is critical in the activation of zymogens?

    • Enteropeptidase

    • Hexokinase

    • Papain

    • Pepsin

    • Secretin

    Correct Answer
    A. Enteropeptidase
    Explanation
    Enteropeptidase is the enzyme that is critical in the activation of zymogens during protein digestion in the small intestine. Zymogens are inactive forms of enzymes that need to be activated in order to carry out their functions. Enteropeptidase is responsible for activating trypsinogen, which is a zymogen produced by the pancreas. Once trypsinogen is activated into trypsin by enteropeptidase, it can then activate other pancreatic zymogens, such as chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidases, to further break down proteins into smaller peptides. Therefore, enteropeptidase plays a critical role in the digestion of proteins in the small intestine.

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  • 25. 

    Tetrahydrofolate (THF) and its derivatives shuttle ______________ between different substrates.

    • Electrons

    • H+

    • Acyl groups

    • One carbon units

    • NH2 groups

    Correct Answer
    A. One carbon units
    Explanation
    Tetrahydrofolate (THF) and its derivatives shuttle one carbon units between different substrates. This means that THF acts as a carrier of single carbon atoms, transferring them from one molecule to another during various metabolic processes. This is important for the synthesis of important molecules such as nucleotides and amino acids.

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  • 26. 

    Which of the following is a zymogen that can be converted to an endopeptidase that hydrolyzes peptide bonds adjacent to Lys and Arg residues?

    • Chymotrypsinogen

    • Pepsin

    • Pepsinogen

    • Trypsin

    • Trypsinogen

    Correct Answer
    A. Trypsinogen
    Explanation
    Trypsinogen is a zymogen that can be converted to an endopeptidase called trypsin. Trypsin is known for its ability to hydrolyze peptide bonds adjacent to lysine (Lys) and arginine (Arg) residues. In its inactive form, trypsinogen serves as a precursor molecule that is activated by cleavage to produce trypsin. Once activated, trypsin can cleave peptide bonds in proteins, specifically those next to Lys and Arg residues, leading to the hydrolysis of these bonds. Therefore, trypsinogen is the correct answer as it can be converted to the endopeptidase trypsin.

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  • 27. 

    In the human genetic disease maple syrup urine disease, the metabolic defect involves:

    • A deficiency of the vitamin niacin.

    • Oxidative decarboxylation.

    • Synthesis of branched chain amino acids.

    • Transamination of an amino acid.

    • Uptake of branched chain amino acids into liver.

    Correct Answer
    A. Oxidative decarboxylation.
    Explanation
    In maple syrup urine disease, the metabolic defect involves oxidative decarboxylation. This means that there is a problem with the process of removing a carboxyl group from a molecule through oxidation. This defect leads to the buildup of certain amino acids, specifically the branched chain amino acids, in the body. This buildup can have toxic effects and result in the characteristic symptoms of the disease, including the sweet-smelling urine that gives the condition its name.

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  • Feb 14, 2025
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