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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: All of the questions for the week are in a single Discussion post – you need to provide a short a succinct answer to each of my questions. Be brief and accurate using ~3-4 sentences for each answer, although longer is fine if needed. Number each of your answers to match my numbered questions; week 1 question 1 is 1.1, week 1 question 2 is 1.2, etc. You will not receive credit if you copy the answers directly from the textbook or from another student, including a shared internet resource – write the answers in your own words. Step 2: Choose one of my questions to write a follow-up question to and include your question at the bottom of this same post “My follow-up question to RLM question 1.1 is:…”
Three Major Membrane Lipids
Q5.1: Name the three major types of membrane lipids in animal cells and provide a specific example of “everyday biochemistry” illustrating the function of each type of membrane lipid.
Lipids Function in Cell Signaling
Q5.2: The lipids 7-dehydrocholesterol and arachidonate are precursors to specific lipid signaling molecules, respectively. Name the active signaling molecule for each and describe a corresponding cellular response.
Fatty Oxidation and Ketogenesis
Q5.3: What is the total yield of NADH, FADH2, and acetyl-CoA from the complete oxidation of myristate? Assuming all of these metabolites are oxidized by the citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, what is the net yield of ATP?
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
1.1 The three major types of membrane lipids in animal cells are phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids. Phospholipids form the basic structure of the cell membrane, maintaining its stability and allowing for the formation of a lipid bilayer. Cholesterol acts as a regulator, helping to maintain the fluidity of the membrane and preventing excessive fluidity changes. Glycolipids, on the other hand, serve as signaling molecules, allowing cells to communicate with one another, and can also function as cell-surface markers for cell recognition.
1.2 The lipids 7-dehydrocholesterol and arachidonate are precursors to specific lipid signaling molecules, vitamin D and prostaglandins, respectively. Vitamin D plays a role in regulating calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, while prostaglandins play a role in regulating inflammation and blood flow.
1.3 The total yield of NADH, FADH2, and acetyl-CoA from the complete oxidation of myristate is highly dependent on the specific metabolic pathways involved. Assuming these metabolites are oxidized by the citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, the net yield of ATP is also dependent on a number of other factors, including the availability of oxygen, the activity of the electron transport chain, and the energy demands of the cell.
My follow-up question to RLM question 1.1 is: How does the specific composition of the lipid bilayer vary between different types of cells, and what impact does this have on the function of these cells?
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