S1B5 - Biochem Mneumonics

Question 1

What are the signs of niacin deficiency?

Answer 1

Niacin deficiency leads to glossitis and may lead to pellagra in severe deficiency. Pellagra is a syndrome of the “3 D’s of B3 deficiency,” which are:

• Diarrhea
• Dermatitis (classically in a “necklace” distribution around the neck)
• Dementia

Question 2

Beriberi can be the result of what vitamin deficiency?

Answer 2

Thiamine (B1) deficiency may lead to beriberi (“Ber1Ber1”) and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Question 3

Thiamine pyrophosphate is a coenzyme for which four important enzymes?

Answer 3

A vitamin B1 (thiamine) derivative, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), is an important coenzyme for several reactions. some of which can be remembered with the mnemonic, ATP:

• α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
• Transketolase
• Pyruvate dehydrogenase

Vitamin B1 is also a cofactor for branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase.

Question 4

What receptor types use the G(i) protein pathway?

Answer 4

G(i) = α2*, M2, D2

• Remember α2 is inhibitory → G(i) (rarely will M2 or D2 be tested)
• You can remember these inhibitory receptors as “MAD 2s inhibit”

Question 5

Which receptor types use the G(q) g protein pathway?

Answer 5

G(q) = α1, H1, V1, M1, M3 (all the 1’s except β1 and D1)

• “HAVe 1 M&M” is a popular mnemonic used to remember G(q)

Question 6

How do you remember which receptor types are involved with which G receptor pathway?

Answer 6

Alternatively, use the mnemonic: “QISS and QIQ till you’re SIQ of SQS”

α1 – Q
α2 – I
β1 – S
β2 – S

M1 – Q
M2 – I
M3 – Q

D1 – S
D2 – I
H1 – Q

H2 – S
V1 – Q
V2 – S