Which of the following statements about LCAT (Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase) is INCORRECT?
ALCAT esterifies free cholesterol on HDL particles
BLCAT deficiency results in accumulation of free cholesterol in tissues
CLCAT activity is enhanced by apolipoprotein A-I
DLCAT is primarily synthesized in adipose tissue
Correct Answer:
D. LCAT is primarily synthesized in adipose tissue
EXPLANATION
LCAT is synthesized primarily in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in other tissues. It plays a crucial role in HDL remodeling by converting free cholesterol to cholesterol esters.
During fed state, the conversion of carbohydrates to fat is promoted by insulin through which mechanism?
AActivation of AMPK
BInactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase
CActivation of mTORC1 pathway and increased acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity
DInhibition of ATP citrate lyase
Correct Answer:
C. Activation of mTORC1 pathway and increased acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity
EXPLANATION
Insulin activates mTORC1, which promotes protein synthesis and lipogenesis. It also increases acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, promoting fatty acid synthesis from carbohydrate sources.
Niemann-Pick disease Type C is characterized by defective intracellular lipid transport due to mutation in genes encoding:
ANPC1 and NPC2 proteins
BSphingomyelinase
CLCAT
DApolipoprotein E
Correct Answer:
A. NPC1 and NPC2 proteins
EXPLANATION
Niemann-Pick Type C results from mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 genes, which encode lysosomal cholesterol transporters, leading to lysosomal accumulation of cholesterol and sphingolipids.
What is the primary function of apolipoprotein B-100?
AActivation of lipoprotein lipase
BStructural protein; required for assembly and secretion of VLDL and LDL
CActivation of LCAT enzyme
DFacilitation of HDL uptake by liver
Correct Answer:
B. Structural protein; required for assembly and secretion of VLDL and LDL
EXPLANATION
ApoB-100 is essential for the structural integrity and secretion of VLDL and LDL particles. It remains with these particles throughout their metabolism.
The ketone bodies produced during beta-oxidation are synthesized in which tissue?
AAdipose tissue
BLiver
CMuscle
DBrain
Correct Answer:
B. Liver
EXPLANATION
Ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone) are synthesized primarily in the liver mitochondria during periods of high fatty acid oxidation.
Which lipoprotein has the highest ratio of protein to lipid?
AChylomicrons
BVLDL
CLDL
DHDL
Correct Answer:
D. HDL
EXPLANATION
HDL has approximately 50% protein content, the highest among all lipoproteins. Chylomicrons and VLDL are triglyceride-rich lipoproteins with lower protein ratios.
A 35-year-old male presents with recurrent yellow nodules on his elbows and knees with serum cholesterol of 450 mg/dL. What is the most likely diagnosis?
AFamilial hypercholesterolemia
BType II hyperlipoproteinemia
CFamilial combined hyperlipidemia
DBoth A and B
Correct Answer:
D. Both A and B
EXPLANATION
Familial hypercholesterolemia presents with xanthomas due to defective LDL receptors. Type II hyperlipoproteinemia (IIa) is essentially familial hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL. Both terms describe the same condition in this clinical context.
The conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA is inhibited by:
ACitrate
BAMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
CInsulin
DFatty acid synthase
Correct Answer:
B. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
EXPLANATION
AMPK phosphorylates and inactivates acetyl-CoA carboxylase during energy stress (high AMP/ATP ratio), thereby reducing fatty acid synthesis. Citrate and insulin activate the enzyme.
The process of lipogenesis primarily occurs in which tissue during fed state?
ASkeletal muscle
BBrain
CLiver
DErythrocytes
Correct Answer:
C. Liver
EXPLANATION
The liver is the primary site of lipogenesis, where excess carbohydrates and amino acids are converted to fatty acids and triglycerides for storage and export via VLDL.
Which steroid hormone is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex?
AInsulin
BCortisol
CThyroxine
DGrowth hormone
Correct Answer:
B. Cortisol
EXPLANATION
Cortisol and other corticosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex through a series of enzymatic reactions involving cytochrome P450 enzymes.