Question

Proteins must be consumed to provide energy to the brain when glucose and starch stores are depleted because

            A)  the brain must have glucose.

            B)   fatty acids cannot get to the brain.

            C)   amino acids are needed for gluconeogenesis.

            D)  All of the above

            E)   None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: D. All of the above

Glucose is very essential for the brain as it is the only energy source through Glycolysis. Glucose is absorbed into the brain cells by carrier mediated uptake which is independent of insulin. Hence option A is correct.

Fatty acids are transported across the plasma by binding to albumin, and as such they cannot cross the blood brain barrier, making them unavailable to serve as energy source for brain. Hence, option B is also correct.

Gluconeogenesis is the process by which body utilizes the amino acids of proteins to synthesise glucose when carbohydrates are unavailable or glycogen is depleted in the body. So, option C is also correct.

Hence, the correct answer is D. All of the above.