Question

How are nutrients other than glucose catabolized?

Answer 1

Nutrients other than glucose can be catabolized through various metabolic pathways. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids, and other sugars can be converted into glucose-1-phosphate for energy extraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The catabolism of nutrients other than glucose involves different metabolic pathways depending on the specific nutrient. Here are three examples:

1. Proteins: Proteins are broken down into amino acids through digestion in the stomach and small intestine. These amino acids can then be used for energy or for synthesizing new proteins.
2. Fats (lipids): Fats are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids through digestion in the small intestine. The fatty acids can enter a process called β-oxidation, where they are converted into acetyl CoA molecules that can be used in the citric acid cycle to generate ATP.
3. Other sugars: Sugars other than glucose, such as lactose or fructose, can be converted into glucose-1-phosphate, which can then be used in the glycolytic pathway for energy extraction.

Proteins are broken down into amino acids through a process called proteolysis. Amino acids can be used for energy production through a process called deamination, where the amino group is removed. Amino acids can be used for energy directly if they are not needed for protein synthesis. Different amino acids may be converted to intermediates that enter the citric acid cycle.