Ketone Bodies Explained: Energy Molecules Of Starvation And Diabetes

Ketone Bodies Explained: Energy Molecules Of Starvation And Diabetes

What are ketone bodies? Describe their synthesis and utilization. (or) Briefly give the pathway of Ketogenesis. How is the presence of Ketone bodies in urine detected?
Answer:

Ketone bodies:

• Acetone, acetoacetate and (β-hydroxybutyrate are known as ketone bodies.
• They are water-soluble and energy-yielding.

Ketogenesis:

• Acetone, acetoacetate and (β-hydroxybutyrate are known as ketone bodies.
• They are water-soluble and energy-yielding.

Ketogenesis:

• It is the synthesis of ketone bodies.
• It occurs in the liver while the enzymes required for it are present in the mitochondrial matrix.

Reactions:

Acetyl CoA +Acetyl CoA
↓thiolase
Acetocetyl CoA
↓HMG CoA Iyase
Acetoacetate
↓
Spontaneous decarboxylation acetone
Reduction by dehydrogenase β-hydroxybutyrate

Utilization:

• Ketone bodies can be easily transported.
• Acetoacetate and (β-hydroxy butyrate serve as important energy sources for peripheral tissues
• Utilized in starvation and diabetes mellitus as there is glucose deficiency in these conditions.
• Ketone bodies meet 50 – 70% of the energy requirement by the brain.