Question

During starvation, the body adapts to ensure that cells have access to a variety of fuel sources. Which of the following biochemical pathways are active during periods of prolonged starvation?

Check All That Apply

Ketogenesis

Ketogenesis

Glycogenesis

Glycogenesis

Lipolysis

Lipolysis

Proteolysis

Proteolysis

Lipogenesis

Lipogenesis

Gluconeogenesis

Answer 1

During prolonged starvation, the body adapts by activating certain biochemical pathways to meet energy needs and maintain glucose levels. The pathways that are typically active during prolonged starvation include:

- **Ketogenesis**: Active during prolonged starvation as the liver produces ketone bodies from fatty acids to provide an alternative fuel source for many tissues, including the brain.

- **Lipolysis**: Active during prolonged starvation as the body breaks down stored triglycerides in adipose tissue into free fatty acids and glycerol for energy.

- **Proteolysis**: This pathway is also active during prolonged starvation. The body may break down proteins from muscle and other tissues to amino acids, which can be used for gluconeogenesis or energy.

- **Gluconeogenesis**: During prolonged starvation, this pathway is active to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (like amino acids and glycerol) to maintain blood glucose levels.

**Glycogenesis** and **Lipogenesis** are generally not active during prolonged starvation. Glycogenesis is the synthesis of glycogen and occurs when glucose is plentiful, while lipogenesis (the synthesis of fatty acids) is also minimized since the body is in need of breaking down fats rather than storing them.

In summary, the active pathways during prolonged starvation are:

- Ketogenesis
- Lipolysis
- Proteolysis
- Gluconeogenesis