An Animal Cell Is Capable of Converting Alanine into Serine

question 56

Essay

An animal cell is capable of converting alanine into serine. What is the shortest pathway using known enzymes by which this conversion could be accomplished? Show intermediates and cofactors; no enzyme names are required. (Hint: The first step is removal of the nitrogen by transamination.)

Understand the mechanisms through which different types of muscle tissue (skeletal, smooth, and cardiac) can initiate contractions.

Identify and distinguish between isotonic concentric and eccentric contraction phases.

Describe the roles of calcium ions and ATP in muscle contraction and relaxation.

Explain the processes leading to different contraction responses such as tetanus and treppe.

---

Definitions:

Fischer Esterification

A chemical reaction that forms an ester upon the treating of an alcohol with a carboxylic acid in the presence of acid catalyst.

Acetic Acid

A clear, colorless liquid with a strong vinegar odor, widely used as a solvent and chemical reagent, particularly in the production of vinyl acetate monomer and acetic anhydride.

Cyclohexanol

A cyclic alcohol with the formula C6H11OH, characterized by a six-membered ring with a single hydroxyl group attached.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

A method for preparing ethers by reacting an alkyl halide with an alkoxide ion, a fundamental reaction in organic chemistry to form ether bonds.