Other Hormone Pathways

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Biochemistry › Other Hormone Pathways

Questions 1 - 9
1

Which of the following does not lead to an increase in the secretion of insulin?

I. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)

II. Cholecystokinin (CCK)

III. Closing of the voltage gated potassium channels

IV. Decreased arginine levels

IV only

I and II

I, II, and IV

III only

Explanation

Elevated arginine leads to an increase in secretion of insulin, not decreased. GIP, CCK and closing of the voltage gated potassium channels lead to an increase in secretion of insulin.

2

During a fasting state, the brain reduces its need for serum glucose by using which of the following substances as an alternate energy source?

Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate

Beta-hydroxybutyrate and apoprotein B

Beta-carotene and apoprotein B

Beta-hydroxybutyrate only

Explanation

Ketone bodies, which include acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone, are produced by the liver in the fasting state by beta-oxidation of fatty acids. They are then released into the blood stream, where they can be used as alternative energy sources for other organs, such as muscle, kidney, and brain. Apoprotein B is one of the proteins that hold lipoproteins together. Beta-carotene is a vitamin with antioxidant properties.

3

Erythropoietin is an important glycoprotein in the human body. What is the function of erythropoietin?

Stimulates production of red blood cells

Stimulates filtering in the kidney

Stimulates red blood cell destruction

Stimulates secretion in the tubules of the nephron

Stimulates white blood cell activity

Explanation

Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone produced in the kidney that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

4

Which hormone below would result in an increase in cAMP?

Epinephrine

Insulin

Human growth hormone

Epidermal growth factor

None of these

Explanation

Epinephrine and glucagon are examples of hormones that affect G protein-coupled receptors like adenylate cyclase and increase levels of cAMP. The other hormones listed affect receptor tyrosine kinases and non-receptor tyrosine kinases.

5

Which of the following is not a step in the signal transduction pathway when epinephrine acts on its receptor?

Activation of diacylglycerol and IP3

Activation of a G protein

Activation of adenylate cyclase

Increase in the quantity of cAMP

Activation of protein kinase A

Explanation

Epinephrine first binds to an adrenergic receptor. The activated receptor works via a G protein, and so GDP is exchanged for GTP and the protein is activated. This then causes activation of adenylate cyclase and subsequent conversion of ATP to cAMP. cAMP acts upon protein kinase A and several other effector molecules. Diacylglycerol and IP3 are second messengers that are uninvolved in this process.

6

Which of the following statements about pancreatic hormones is not true?

Glucagon is secreted in response to high blood glucose levels.

Delta cells secrete somatostatin.

Beta cells secrete insulin.

Insulin stimulates muscle and fat cells to store glucose.

Explanation

Insulin is secreted in response to high blood glucose levels, which increases cell uptake of glucose. Glycogen has the opposite effect - it stimulates glycogenolysis and lipolysis to release glucose into the bloodstream during times of fasting/starvation.

7

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is true?

Isoproterenol is a beta-agonist.

Phentolamine is a beta-antagonist.

Norepinephrine/noradrenaline is the methylated form of epinephrine/adrenaline.

Propranolol is an alpha-agonist.

Explanation

Phentolamine is an alpha-antagonist. Propranolol is an beta-agonist. Epinephrine/adrenaline is the methylated form of norepinephrine/noradrenaline.

8

Which of the following hormones crosses the plasma membrane in order to affect its target cell?

Thyroxine

Insulin

Glucagon

Epinephrine

None of these hormones act by crossing the plasma membrane

Explanation

This question is asking us to identify a hormone that passes through the target cell's plasma membrane in order to affect that cell.

When looking at hormones, there are three general types: amine, peptide, and steroid. Out of these, steroid hormones are all capable of crossing the plasma membrane. In fact, the receptors for steroid hormones are often found in the cytoplasm or nucleus of the target cell. Generally, amine and peptide hormones act by binding to a receptor on the outer surface of the target cell's plasma membrane. However, thyroxine is an exception. Thyroxine is an amine hormone based off of the amino acid tyrosine. Normally, amine-derived hormones do not cross the plasma membrane, but the largely hydrophobic nature of thyroxine allows it to cross the plasma membrane and bind with its intracellular receptor.

Of the other answer choices shown, none of them cross the cell membrane. Epinephrine is an amine-derived hormone, utilizing tyrptophan as the starting material. Insulin, glucagon, and growth hormones are all peptide hormones.

9

Which of the following is a polypeptide?

Glucagon

Epinephrine

Biotin

Pyridoxal phosphate

Explanation

Glucagon is a short peptide hormone involved in triggering signal cascades in response to low blood glucose. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a cofactor in fatty acid synthesis. Pyridoxal phosphate, the activated form of vitamin B6, is a cofactor in transamination reactions, among others. Epinephrine is a steroid hormone involved in the fight or flight response.

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