Question

Q5)Glucose is an energy rich molecule. This is because as a carbohydrate the carbon is in the ratio of how many carbons to how many hydrogens to how many oxygens Why is the carbon in glucose considered to be highly rich in energy whereas the carbon in carbon dioxide is not? (Ch. 5 and 2) 6) Triglycerides have a carbon skeleton of glycerol and three covalently linked fatty acids to the glycerol. Where does glycerol fit into the glycolysis pathway? What is the building block of fatty acids and how does that relate to the Krebs cycle and why fatty acids are so energy rich? (Ch 2 and Ch. 5) (Hint: Think about what I said about the fatty acids are even numbered when it comes to the carbon they contain.)

Answer 1

5. Chemical bonds such as C-C and C-O are more in glucose than in carbon dioxide, hence whenever bonds are broken it releases more energy.

6. Triglycerides have a carbon skeleton of glycerol attached to 3 fatty acids. This triglyceride is further hydrolyzed to enter the Glycolytic pathway and is converted to DHAP dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Fatty acids are long carbon chains attached to the carboxylic group and it enters the Krebs cycle as Acetyl coenzyme A by the beta-oxidation process. Fatty acids are so energy-rich because of their higher oxidation rates which releases energy.