QABiology › 14CO2 was bubbled through a suspension of liver cells that was undergoing gluconeogenesis from lactate to glucose. Which carbons in the glucose molecule would become radioactive?
Q

14CO2 was bubbled through a suspension of liver cells that was undergoing gluconeogenesis from lactate to glucose. Which carbons in the glucose molecule would become radioactive?

A

The answer is: none of them.

Explanation: Gluconeogenesis is an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, taking place in the liver. When phosphoenolpyruvate is formated from oxaloacetate, the carbon dioxide gets discharged in this process, and no external CO2 is needed in order to convert lactate into glucose.

4 years ago
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