variant 1 open question

Question 1

What would be the energy source for your friend’s muscles and brain cells during a study session?

Answer 1

Glucose is the main energy source for your friend’s muscles and brain cells during a study session, comes from sugary coffee and energy drinks that pack a lot of sugar in them.

Question 2

Explain the role of B1 in metabolism in your friends case, name metabolic pathway (s) and enzyme(s). (4p)

Answer 2

B1 is used as a coenzyme for TPP during Oxidative decarboxylation when converting
Pyruvate to Acetyl-CoA which is later used for CAC in order to receive cofactors used for
ATP synthesis via ETC. The enzyme used will be pyruvate dehydrogenase.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of B1 deficiency, name two and explain their cause

Answer 3

B1 deficiency would lead to no pyruvate to acetyl-CoA conversion meaning no cofactors
utilized for ETC in order to synthethise ATP nor take up any oxygen via ETC. We will have to
synthethise ATP in an alternative way, mainly via anaerobic glycolysis (produces 2 ATP), and
use cofactors in order to convert pyruvate into lactate instead due to pyruvate accumulation.
This means we will be more tired, we will feel breathless, have less energy that could be
used for the body. It could also cause Beri Beri disease.

Question 4

Does your friend have B1 deficiency? (1p)

Answer 4

Probably not