Lipid metabolism: practice question

A Biochemistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Biochemistry · Lipid metabolism

Sample item

Which enzyme is inhibited by statins to lower cholesterol synthesis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. HMG-CoA reductase

Statins competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, which increases hepatic LDL receptor activity and lowers circulating LDL cholesterol.

Option by option

  • A. Acetylcholinesterase

    Acetylcholinesterase terminates cholinergic signaling at synapses.

  • B. HMG-CoA reductase (correct)

    Correct: HMG-CoA reductase is the statin target.

  • C. Pancreatic lipase

    Pancreatic lipase digests dietary triglyceride in the intestine.

  • D. Lipoprotein lipase

    Lipoprotein lipase clears triglycerides from circulating lipoproteins.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is B, HMG-CoA reductase. Statins competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, which increases hepatic LDL receptor activity and lowers circulating LDL cholesterol.

Why is "Acetylcholinesterase" not the answer?

Acetylcholinesterase terminates cholinergic signaling at synapses.

Why is "Pancreatic lipase" not the answer?

Pancreatic lipase digests dietary triglyceride in the intestine.

Why is "Lipoprotein lipase" not the answer?

Lipoprotein lipase clears triglycerides from circulating lipoproteins.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lipid metabolism in Biochemistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: HMG-CoA reductase is the statin target.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Lipid metabolism?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.