Question

This is a descriptions of a mutation designed to give an individual super powers/abilities. Answer all parts of the question in essay style. Use biochemistry concepts and connections for answers. Don't contain irrelevant information in the answer.

Since Avengers have returned life back to near normal, in the future, Shuri is designing genetic mutations that will make non-enhanced avengers faster and stronger, mainly important for Sam Wilson. She created a strain of genetically engineered mice that mimic human metabolism exactly. They have all the intermediates, pathways, and enzymes found in humans. The first step for her lab is to test the mutations out on these mice to see if they have any unintended consequences. All mutations are being designed to give enhanced ATP production, during periods of activity, & muscle synthesis during periods of rest.

One proposed mutation is a mutation in the liver glycogen phosphorylase isoform that causes it to remain in a phosphorylated state, regardless of a presence of any cellular kinases & phosphatases. One unanticipated side effect is that the mice with the mutated glycogen phosphorylase become fatigued after periods of strenuous exercise more quickly than the non-mutated mice. This happens unless they are fed a diet high in carbohydrate before exercise and given a steady supply of glucose during the exercise.

Answer these questions, completely:

1. Why are these mice becoming tired/fatigued more quickly than unaffected mice? In your answer explain how the mutation is going to change the activity of this enzyme.

2. How does the diet high in carbohydrates and glucose supply during exercise help prevent tiredness/fatigue? Explain.

3. Can this mutation given an increased ability to synthesize ATP during periods of strenuous activity/exercise? Explain

Answer 1

1. The mice are getting fatiqued as they donot have any Glycogen reserve which will release glucose for the extra energy required during exercise. As the mutation is in the Glycogen Phosphorylase enzyme so this enzyme remains everytime in the activated form breaking whatever glycogen present in the body. So inspite of the presence of the glucose in the body the Glycogen is not formed which is causing fatique during exercise.

2. See more the Glucose and Carbohydrate in our body more is the energy produced in terms of ATP which is used excessively during exercises. Thus this excess energy helps prevent tiredness and fatique.

3. Mutation in the glycogen phosphorylase enzyme and making it actiavted everytime will difinitely increase the glucose by glycogen breakdown so will increase in amounts of ATP. But not because of this enzyme the glycogen reserve used during exercise is not formed so it causes fatique during exercises. So this mutation will cause initial rapid increase in energy but later will decrease it significantly due to scarcity of Glucose due to earlier excessive breakdown of glycogen.

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