Why do ketone bodies accumulate in the blood under starvation conditions?

Solutions

Expert Solution

Ketones and ketoacids are alternative fuels for the body that are made when glucose is in short supply. They are made in the liver from the Oxidation or breakdown of fats into acetylCoA which are precursor for ketoneBodies .Ketones are formed when there is not enough sugar or glucose to supply the body’s fuel needs as in case during prolonged starvation .During starvation period, insulin levels are low, but glucagon and epinephrine levels are relatively normal. This combination of low insulin, and relatively normal glucagon and epinephrine levels causes fat to be released from the fat cells. The fats travel through the blood circulation to reach the liver where they are processed into ketone units. The ketone bodies then circulate back into the blood stream and are picked up by the muscle and other tissues to fuel our body’s metabolism. Hence, ketone production is the body’s normal adaptation to starvation.

gladiator answered 1 year ago

Next > < Previous

Related Solutions

Under conditions where ketone bodies are being produced in the liver, how many ATPs can be...

Under conditions where ketone bodies are being produced in the liver, how many ATPs can be produced from a molecule of palmitic acid if all resulting molecules of acetyl-CoA are converted into β -hydroxybutyrate?

a)“Ketone bodies” are found in the blood of humans in a large amount:following a bout of...

a)“Ketone bodies” are found in the blood of humans in a large amount:following a bout of deep breathing.True/False? b)“Ketone bodies” are found in the blood of humans in a large amount:during starvation. True/False? c) “Ketone bodies” are found in the blood of humans in a large amount:in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.True/False? d)“Ketone bodies” are found in the blood of humans in a large amount:immediately following a prolonged bout of vigorous exercise.True/False? e)Fatty acid biosynthesis involves:sulfhydryl groups.True/False? f)Fatty acid biosynthesis involves:coenzyme A.True/False?...

True or False 1.Rise in ketone bodies in blood parallels an increase in blood glucose concentration....

True or False 1.Rise in ketone bodies in blood parallels an increase in blood glucose concentration. 2.Glutamate dehydrogenase catalyzes a metabolically irreversible and redox-active reaction.

Explain the source and fate of ketone bodies Explain why it is easier to gain weight...

Explain the source and fate of ketone bodies Explain why it is easier to gain weight than to lose weight.

Why may ketone bodies form in some patients? A. lipids are not getting absorbed in the...

Why may ketone bodies form in some patients? A. lipids are not getting absorbed in the small intestine B. glycolysis is stimulated in the liver C. acetyl-CoA is converted into ketone bodies instead of continuing through the citric acid cycle D. oxaloacetate is available for the citric acid cycle E. proteins are not digested correctly

Explain what happens to ketone levels in the body after prolonged starvation?

Why is it necessary to move from glucose to ketone bodies to prevent protein degradation when...

Why is it necessary to move from glucose to ketone bodies to prevent protein degradation when glucose levels are very low?

Ketone bodies are synthesized from acety-CoA only when carbohydrates are not available. Why is this the...

Ketone bodies are synthesized from acety-CoA only when carbohydrates are not available. Why is this the case? Consider how gluconeogenesis, TCA, ACC, and circulating hormones play a role in directing carbon toward these molecules.

Under prolonged starvation conditions, certain pathways are upregulated. For each of the following, indicate 1) the...

Under prolonged starvation conditions, certain pathways are upregulated. For each of the following, indicate 1) the purpose or outcome of the pathway, 2) why it would need to be upregulated under starvation and 3) what organ(s) or tissue(s) are involved and their role(s). a. Gluconeogenesis b. Glucose-Alanine Cycle c. Ketogenesis d. Urea Cycle

What is urinanalysis? Explain the basis for the presence of: a) ketone bodies in the...

What is urinanalysis? Explain the basis for the presence of: a) ketone bodies in the urine of an anorexia nervosa patient. b) glucose in the urine c) hCG in urine

Subjects