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 in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1. The mutation would would prevent malonyl CoA from interacting with this protein in liver cells. One unexpected side effect is that mice with the CPT1 mutation have developed oddly high levels of ketone bodies after long periods of rest. This occurs, unless they have also been fed a diet high in carbohydrates during this rest period. It is also determined that carnitine supplementation leads to even more ATP synthesis, even though the supplementation doesnt't help reduce ketone body formation during periods of rest and actually makes it worse.

Answer these questions thoroughly:

1. Why do the mutated mice develop oddly high levels of ketone bodies after extensive periods of rest? How does a diet high in carbohydrate help lower the ketone bodie concentration?  In your answer explain how the mutation changes the enzyme's activity.

2. Explain the negative affects of carnitine supplementation (for example, increase in ketone body synthesis).

3. Can this mutation give an increased ability to synthesize nonessential amino acids while being at rest? Explain

Answer 1