In: Biology
43) What role does serum albumin play in fat metabolism?
A) It is a component of the chylomicron lipoprotein. B) It acts as a carrier for free fatty acids in the bloodstream. C) It binds hormone-sensitive lipase that is responsible for the release of triglycerides from adipocytes. D) It is involved in the transport of short-chained fatty acids across the plasma membrane.
44) The following fatty acid, in which the indicated carbon is labeled with 14C, is fed to an animal 14CH3(CH2)9COOH After allowing 30 minutes for fatty acid β oxidation, the label would most likely be recovered in: A) beta-hydroxy butyryl-CoA. B) both acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA C) palmitoyl-CoA. D) propionyl-CoA.
Ans. #43. B. The free fatty acids, being hydrophobic, are insoluble in aqueous solution. Albumin protein binds to free fatty acids and resultant hydrophilic complex (Fatty acid - Albumin) is transported through the aqueous bloodstream to various parts of the body.
# Chylomicron lipoprotein consists of triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and apolipoprotein but no albumin.
# The transport of short-chain fatty acid across plasma membrane is mediated through specific transporter protein but not by albumin. Albumin is NOT a transporter protein.
# 44. D. propionyl-CoA.
During beta-oxidation of fatty acid, two C-atoms from C-terminal (including -COOH) are removed per turn.
The given fatty acid is 11C-long. So, when 2C are sequentially removed for 4 turn of beta-oxidation, the last 3C atoms form propionyl-CoA with the labelled C-atom in it.
# If propionyl-CoA is the terminal product of odd-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation. It does not undergo further round of beta-oxidation.
Therefore, the radiolabeled 14C will be retained in propionyl-CoA.