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Chapter 22: Problem 4

(Integrates with Chapter 3 .) Suggest an explanation for the exergonic nature of the glycogen synthase reaction \(\left(\Delta G^{\circ \prime}=-13.3 \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\right)\) Consult Chapter 3 to review the energetics of high-energy phosphate compounds if necessary.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The negative standard free energy change (ΔG°′) of the glycogen synthase reaction indicates that it is an exergonic reaction. The energy released in this reaction comes from the exergonic breaking of a phosphoanhydride bond in the UDP-glucose reactant, driving the reaction. Hence, the reaction is conducive to glycogen formation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding free energy change and exergonic reactions

In thermodynamics, a reaction is considered to be exergonic if it releases energy, meaning the system loses energy to its surroundings. In biochemical terms, a reaction is exergonic if the change in the Gibbs free energy (denoted as ΔG) is negative. This is due to the principle that a system will naturally tend towards a state of lower energy.
02

Relating free energy change to the glycogen synthase reaction

The glycogen synthase reaction has a standard free energy change (ΔG°′) of -13.3 kJ/mol. This negative value indicates that the reaction is exergonic, meaning it releases energy. In biochemical reactions, free energy released in exergonic reactions is usually derived from breaking high-energy bonds, such as those in ATP.
03

Understanding the energetics of the glycogen synthase reaction

Glycogen synthase catalyzes the reaction of UDP-glucose and glycogen into UDP and glycogen. The breaking of the phosphoanhydride bond in UDP-glucose is an exergonic process, which provides the energy that drives the reaction towards the formation of glycogen. The reaction is so conducive due to the energy released from cleavage of the bond between UDP and glucose.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Glycogenin catalyzes the first reaction in the synthesis of a glycogen particle, with \(\mathrm{Tyr}^{194}\) of glycogenin (page 676) combining with a glucose unit (provided by UDP-glucose) to produce a tyrosyl glucose. Write a mechanism to show how this reaction could occur.

(Integrates with Chapter \(7 .)\) Imagine a glycogen molecule with 8000 glucose residues. If branches occur every eight residues, how many reducing ends does the molecule have? If branches occur every 12 residues, how many reducing ends does it have? How many nonreducing ends does it have in each of these cases?

Explain the effects of each of the following on the rates of gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism: a. Increasing the concentration of tissue fructose- 1,6 -bisphosphate b. Increasing the concentration of blood glucose c. Increasing the concentration of blood insulin d. Increasing the amount of blood glucagon e. Decreasing levels of tissue ATP f. Increasing the concentration of tissue AMP g. Decreasing the concentration of fructose- 6 -phosphate

(Integrates with Chapters 3 and \(14 .\) ) What is the structure of creatine phosphate? Write reactions to indicate how it stores and provides energy for exercise.
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