Question

Deficiency of which of the following enzymes would impair the body's ability to maintain blood glucose concentration during the first 24 hours of a prolonged fast?

a) Pyruvate carboxylase
b) Glucose-6-phosphatase
c) PEP carboxykinase
d) Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase

Answer 1

During the first 24 hours of a prolonged fast, the primary source of glucose for the body is gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is the process by which the body synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids and glycerol.

Among the enzymes listed, glucose-6-phosphatase is crucial for maintaining blood glucose concentration during the early stages of fasting. This enzyme is responsible for dephosphorylating glucose-6-phosphate to release free glucose, which can then be released into the bloodstream.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

b) Glucose-6-phosphatase

Answer 2

Glucose-6-phosphatase is the enzyme that would impair the body's ability to maintain blood glucose concentration during the first 24 hours of a prolonged fast.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question is b) Glucose-6-phosphatase.

Glucose-6-phosphatase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose concentration during the first 24 hours of a prolonged fast. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose, allowing the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

If there is a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase, the body will not be able to produce glucose from glucose-6-phosphate, leading to a decreased ability to maintain blood glucose concentration. This can result in hypoglycemia, which is characterized by low blood glucose levels.