Biochemical Deficiencies
Case 1
1. How enzymes are involved in the processes such the breakdown of fructose
Enzymes are organic catalysts that speed up chemical processes and functions in the body. This occurs in a lock-and-key model, whereby only a specific enzyme can ‘fix’ into a given substrate catalyzes a particular reaction. The enzymes reduce the activation energy for the processes or functions in the body.
2. How Aldolase B deficiency causes Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
The enzyme Aldolase B is essential in the metabolism of fructose. A deficiency in this enzyme affects the normal breakdown of fructose, a condition called Fructose Intolerance. Since ALDO B gene is plays a huge role in the formation of the enzyme Aldolase B, mutations of the gene affects the formation and ultimate decline in the supply of the enzyme Aldolase B. This causes hereditary Fructose Intolerance.
A) Lock and Key Model of Enzymatic Activity
b. Effect of Enzyme on Activation Energy
4. Discuss the specific substrate acted upon by Aldolase B
The enzyme Aldolase B acts on the fructose-1-phosphate molecule. This molecule gives, after metabolism, other molecules that are referred to as dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehydes.
5. Explain the role of Aldolase B in the breakdown of fructose
The enzyme Aldolase B, an organic catalyst, speeds up the metabolism of fructose-1-phosphate into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehydes.
Case 2
1. Cori Cycle Occurring in a Single Cell
Under normal circumstances, the Cori cycle ought not to occur in a single cell (such as a muscle cell). The liver converts lactate produced in the anaerobic reaction into glucose, which then goes back to the (muscle) cells for conversion into lactate. In case of the contrary, energy ultimately declines since glucose, necessary for energy production, diminishes considerably.
2. Dynamic Diagram of the Citric Acid Cycle
3. A stage in the Citric Acid where a Hypothetical Defect of an Enzyme Occurs Hindering an Increase in ATP Production
Oxidative Phosphorylation, the conversion of ADP into ATP, is the stage at which Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is produced. This builds up as a by-product, damaging mitochondrial membranes, a condition called oxidative stress. This alters the optimal pH levels for the ATP Synthase functioning.
4. The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in ATP Synthesis
Coenzyme Q10 is quite essential in the Electronic Transport Chain (ETC) of the ATP synthesis. The transfer of electrons in the process of ETC causes the pumping of hydrogen ions (H+) across the membrane. This results in a proton gradient that ATP Synthase uses to generate ATP. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an electron carrier from the enzyme complex I and enzyme complex II to the enzyme complex III.
References
Nelson, D. L., & Cox, M. M. (2005) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistr. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
