Which of the following changes in metabolic flux would be expected to occur during long periods without food?
A) decreased release of fatty acids from adipose tissue
B) decreased gluconeogenesis in liver and kidney cells
C) decreased ketogenesis in liver cells
D) protein degradation in skeletal muscle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During long periods without food, the body starts to break down its own protein (muscle tissue) to release amino acids which can then be used as an energy source. This is known as protein degradation. Therefore, option D is the correct choice.

Option A is incorrect because during periods without food, the body needs to use stored fat as an energy source, so the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue would actually increase, not decrease. Option B is incorrect because gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) would increase during periods without food to maintain blood glucose levels. Option C is incorrect because in the absence of glucose, the liver starts producing ketone bodies as an alternative energy source, so ketogenesis would actually increase, not decrease.

Which of the Following Changes in Metabolic Flux Would Be