Biochemistry Questions -
1. Image you can trace a particular carbon atom in a glucose molecule you have drank with you morning coffee. Describe all possible routes (including organs and metabolic pathways) in your body this carbon may travel prior to end up as CO2.
2. Image you can trace a particular oxygen atom in an oxygen molecule you have just inhaled. Describe all possible fates this oxygen atom may end up with. Particularly, can you find it in CO2 exhaled? Why or why not?
3. All mammals have oxygen sensing system to directly monitor the oxygen availability and energy sensing system which indirectly monitors the carbon source supply. Considering the important role of nitrogen element in biologic system, I assume the existence of a nitrogen-sensing system as well. If you agree with me, discuss what this system might be. If you do not think so, write down your reasoning. Either way you choose, please cite relevant reference to support your argument.
4. List major cofactors of metabolic enzymes discussed in this course, point out their precursors, describe their roles in metabolic reactions, and provide one reaction each cofactor participates as example.
5. From your yesterday's dinner, one molecule of an 18-carbon, fully saturated, straight chain fatty acid has been absorbed and transported into a cell. If it is completely oxidized and eventually be metabolized to CO2, H2O and ATP, how many net ATP, CO2 and H2O can be generated?
6. Summarize one-carbon, two-carbon, three-carbon, four- carbon, five-carbon and six-carbon units or compounds which are important in metabolism.
7. Summarize the major reaction types of the following cofactors participating in: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, vitamin B7, Vitamin B12 and Heme.
8. Tumor cells usually accumulate various DNA mutations, a phenomenon known as genomic instability. In addition to impaired DNA repair, one hypothesis states that the increased DNA mutation in tumor cells is caused by accelerated metabolic rate and altered metabolic reactions. Briefly describe your opinion. Cite literature to support your arguments.