Which of the following correctly describes the role of carnitine in fatty acid metabolism?
AIt synthesizes fatty acids
BIt transports long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane
CIt activates fatty acids to acyl-CoA
DIt directly oxidizes fatty acids
Correct Answer:
B. It transports long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane
EXPLANATION
Carnitine, via carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT), transfers long-chain fatty acyl groups across the inner mitochondrial membrane, enabling their oxidation in the matrix.
What is the primary product of the initial step of ketogenesis?
AAcetoacetate
BAcetyl-CoA
CBeta-hydroxybutyrate
DAcetone
Correct Answer:
A. Acetoacetate
EXPLANATION
Acetoacetate is the first ketone body formed from two molecules of Acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA synthase. It can be reduced to beta-hydroxybutyrate or decarboxylated to acetone.
Myelin contains approximately 80% lipid by weight, with cholesterol being the most abundant lipid (27% of total myelin mass), followed by galactocerebroside.
Which of the following best explains the inverse relationship between LDL and HDL cholesterol in atherogenesis?
ALDL deposits cholesterol while HDL removes it from arterial walls
BThey compete for the same enzyme
CHDL synthesis inhibits LDL synthesis
DBoth have the same apolipoprotein composition
Correct Answer:
A. LDL deposits cholesterol while HDL removes it from arterial walls
EXPLANATION
LDL carries cholesterol into arterial walls and can be oxidized, promoting atherosclerosis. HDL mediates reverse cholesterol transport, removing cholesterol from tissues and delivering it to the liver.
Niemann-Pick disease is characterized by accumulation of which lipid?
ATriglycerides
BSphingomyelin
CCholesterol esters
DCerebrosides
Correct Answer:
B. Sphingomyelin
EXPLANATION
Niemann-Pick disease results from deficiency of sphingomyelinase, leading to accumulation of sphingomyelin in lysosomes, particularly affecting the nervous system and liver.
What is the primary function of apolipoprotein E in lipid metabolism?
AStructural component of chylomicrons only
BLigand for hepatic uptake of cholesterol-rich remnants
CInhibitor of lipoprotein lipase
DActivator of pancreatic lipase
Correct Answer:
B. Ligand for hepatic uptake of cholesterol-rich remnants
EXPLANATION
ApoE acts as a ligand recognized by hepatic receptors (LDL receptor and LDL receptor-related protein), mediating the uptake of chylomicron remnants and VLDL remnants.
Which enzyme is responsible for the esterification of cholesterol in the bloodstream?
ALipoprotein lipase
BLecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT)
CHepatic lipase
DCholesterol esterase
Correct Answer:
B. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT)
EXPLANATION
LCAT esterifies free cholesterol on lipoprotein surfaces, forming cholesterol esters that move to the hydrophobic core. This process is essential for lipoprotein maturation.
During fasting state, which lipoprotein level increases significantly?
AHDL
BVLDL
CChylomicrons
DLDL
Correct Answer:
B. VLDL
EXPLANATION
During fasting, the liver increases synthesis and secretion of VLDL to transport endogenous triglycerides produced from gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is primarily caused by defects in:
ALDL receptor gene
BVLDL synthesis
CBile acid synthesis
DTriglyceride metabolism
Correct Answer:
A. LDL receptor gene
EXPLANATION
Familial hypercholesterolemia results from mutations in the LDL receptor gene, leading to impaired LDL uptake and elevated plasma LDL cholesterol levels.