Folate and Tetrahydrofolate Metabolism

The video tutorial explains the role of tetrahydrofolate in biosynthetic reactions, its dietary acquisition, and conversion from folate. It details the formation of various tetrahydrofolate derivatives and their importance in nucleic acid and amino acid biosynthesis. The tutorial highlights the critical role of N5,N10-methylene tetrahydrofolate in DNA synthesis and the significance of N5-methyltetrahydrofolate in generating S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a universal methyl group donor. The importance of folate intake, especially during pregnancy, is also discussed.

What is the primary function of tetrahydrofolate derivatives in biosynthetic reactions?

• Delivering one carbon at a time

• Delivering two carbons at a time

• Delivering nitrogen atoms

• Delivering oxygen atoms

How do humans obtain tetrahydrofolate?

• Through inhalation

• Through exposure to sunlight

• Through dietary intake as folate or folic acid

• Through biosynthesis in the body

What enzyme is responsible for converting folic acid to tetrahydrofolate?

• Dihydrofolate reductase

• Methionine synthase

• Serine hydroxymethyltransferase

• Cyclohydrolase

Which form of tetrahydrofolate is directly involved in nucleic acid biosynthesis?

• N5-methyltetrahydrofolate

• N10-formyl tetrahydrofolate

• N5,N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate

• N5-formyltetrahydrofolate

What is the role of N5,N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate in DNA synthesis?

• It is used to synthesize adenine

• It is used to synthesize thymine

• It is used to synthesize guanine

• It is used to synthesize cytosine

Which enzyme catalyzes the conversion of serine to glycine, involving tetrahydrofolate?

• Serine hydroxymethyltransferase

• Dihydrofolate reductase

• Cyclohydrolase

• Methionine synthase

What is the significance of N5-methyltetrahydrofolate in the body?

• It is used to generate S-adenosylmethionine

• It is used to synthesize glucose

• It is used to synthesize creatine

• It is used to generate ATP

Why is folate intake particularly important during pregnancy?

• To prevent anemia

• To prevent neural tube defects in infants

• To enhance muscle growth

• To improve vision

Which vitamin is required alongside N5-methyltetrahydrofolate for methionine synthase activity?

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin B12

What is the universal methyl group donor in the body?

• S-adenosylmethionine

• N5-methyltetrahydrofolate

• N10-formyl tetrahydrofolate

• N5,N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate