In ketosis, which metabolic byproduct is elevated?

Study for the ELANCO Advanced Animal Science Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In ketosis, which metabolic byproduct is elevated?

Explanation:
Ketosis occurs when carbohydrate is limited and fat becomes the main fuel source. With low insulin, fat is released from stores and the liver burns fatty acids to produce acetyl-CoA. Because oxaloacetate is diverted to gluconeogenesis, acetyl-CoA is used to make ketone bodies rather than driving the TCA cycle. The resulting ketone bodies—acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone—accumulate in the blood and are used as alternative energy by tissues, especially the brain. So the elevated metabolic byproducts in ketosis are the ketone bodies. Glucose, insulin, and amino acids aren’t the defining byproducts produced in this state.

Ketosis occurs when carbohydrate is limited and fat becomes the main fuel source. With low insulin, fat is released from stores and the liver burns fatty acids to produce acetyl-CoA. Because oxaloacetate is diverted to gluconeogenesis, acetyl-CoA is used to make ketone bodies rather than driving the TCA cycle. The resulting ketone bodies—acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone—accumulate in the blood and are used as alternative energy by tissues, especially the brain. So the elevated metabolic byproducts in ketosis are the ketone bodies. Glucose, insulin, and amino acids aren’t the defining byproducts produced in this state.

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