Chapter 9.4

Question 1

Is the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex irreversible

Answer 1

• yes

- >it cannot be used to convert acetyl coA to pyruvate or glucose

Question 2

What is the PDH complex difference between that in the nervous system and the liver

Answer 2

• in the liver it is activated by insulin

- >in the nervous system, the complex is not responsive to any hormones

Question 3

What inhibits the PDH complex

Answer 3

• high levels of acetyl coA due to beta-oxidationn
• > negative feedback
• the buildup of acetyl coA causes a shift in metabolism
• > pyruvate is no longer converted into acetyl-Coa but rather into oxaloacetate

Question 4

What are the three fates of pyruvate

Answer 4

1) conversion to acetyl-coA by PDH
2) Conversion to lactatte by lactate dehydrogenase
3) Conversion to oxaloacetate by pyruvate carboxylase