Asparagine, Aspartate Catabolism to Oxaloacetate

The video tutorial explores the catabolic pathways of asparagine and aspartate, comparing them to those of glutamine and glutamate. It highlights the role of enzymes like asparagine ace and glutamate dehydrogenase, emphasizing their structural and mechanistic similarities and differences. The tutorial also delves into the specificity of asparagine ace, its targets, and its role in aspartame catabolism. Finally, it discusses the glucogenic nature of asparagine and aspartate, explaining their conversion into oxaloacetate and subsequent entry into gluconeogenesis.

What is the initial similarity between the catabolic pathways of asparagine and glutamine?

• Both pathways occur in the cytosol.

• Both pathways produce the same end product.

• Both pathways start with deamination.

• Both involve the same enzymes.

Which enzyme is structurally similar to asparagine ace?

• Glutamate dehydrogenase

• Aspartate transaminase

• Glutaminase

• Lysophospholipase

What is a unique feature of asparagine ace compared to glutaminase?

• It operates in the cytosol.

• It only targets simple asparagine.

• It has multiple forms in humans.

• It is well understood.

What type of bond does asparagine ace hydrolyze in N-acetylglucosamine?

• Amide bond

• Peptide bond

• Glycosidic bond

• Ester bond

Which molecule is NOT targeted by asparagine ace?

• Lysophospholipids

• N-acetylglucosamine

• Aspartame

• Glucose

What is the primary product of aspartame hydrolysis by asparagine ace?

• Glutamate

• Oxaloacetate

• Aspartate

• Phenylalanine

Which enzyme facilitates the conversion of aspartate to oxaloacetate?

• Malate dehydrogenase

• Aspartate transaminase

• Glutamate dehydrogenase

• Pyruvate carboxylase

What role does oxaloacetate play in gluconeogenesis?

• It is a starting substrate.

• It is a byproduct.

• It is an end product.

• It is an intermediate.

Why are asparagine and aspartate considered glucogenic amino acids?

• They are degraded to oxaloacetate.

• They are converted to glucose directly.

• They are stored as glycogen.

• They are involved in glycolysis.

Which enzyme is NOT involved in the conversion of aspartate to oxaloacetate?

• Aspartate transaminase

• Pyridoxal phosphate

• NADP

• Malate dehydrogenase