Optional Final Project  (Final project is worth 100 pts and will add 100 pts to total possible points)

Assignment of slide or poster format for Presentation #4

1. Discuss cellular and tissue compartmentalization in fatty acid metabolism (fig. 19-27; pg. 591).
2. With reference to Fig. 21-1 (pg 665) describe the major pathways of fuel metabolism in mammals.
3. With reference to Fig. 21-2 (pg. 666) describe the metabolic interrelationships among brain, adipose tissue, muscle and liver.
4. Identify the Cori Cycle and glucose-alanine cycle in Fig. 21-2 (pg. 666). What is the function of these interorgan cycles?
5. Explain why a low glucose affinity (high Km of ~5mM) for glucokinase allows glucokinase activity to increase rapidly with blood [glucose]. Why can hexokinase (with a Km<0.1mM) not respond rapidly to a change in blood [glucose] from 5 to 6 mM?
6. Be familiar with the different members of the GLUT family of glucose transporters. Recognize how Km of the transporter influences its role in glucose uptake. Know that insulin promotes translocation of GLUT 4 to the plasma membrane. Increasing the number of GLUT 4 transporters increases the Vmax of glucose transport (into muscle and adipose tissue where GLUT 4 transporters are expressed).