Suppose You Found an Overly High Level of Pyruvate in a Patient's

question 97

Essay

Suppose you found an overly high level of pyruvate in a patient's blood and urine. One possible cause is a genetic defect in the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase, but another plausible cause is a specific vitamin deficiency. Explain what vitamin might be deficient in the diet, and why that would account for high levels of pyruvate to be excreted in the urine. How would you determine which explanation is correct?

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Definitions:

Emphasizing

The act of giving particular importance or priority to a part of a message or piece of information.

De-emphasizing

A strategy used in communication to make certain information seem less important or prominent.

Preaching

The act of delivering a religious message or sermon, often based on scripture, to a group of people.

Courteous

Showing consideration, respect, and politeness in one's behavior and interactions with others.