Carbohydrate metabolism: fructose: 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 · Carbohydrate metabolism: fructose

Sample item

A child develops vomiting, hypoglycemia, and jaundice after introduction of fruit juice. Which enzyme deficiency is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Aldolase B deficiency

Hereditary fructose intolerance is caused by aldolase B deficiency, causing accumulation of fructose-1-phosphate and impaired gluconeogenesis. Fructose should be avoided once recognized.

Option by option

  • A. Galactokinase deficiency

    Galactokinase deficiency affects galactose metabolism.

  • B. Fructokinase deficiency

    Fructokinase deficiency causes benign essential fructosuria.

  • C. Lactase deficiency

    Lactase deficiency causes osmotic diarrhea after lactose ingestion.

  • D. Aldolase B deficiency (correct)

    Correct. Aldolase B deficiency causes toxic fructose-1-phosphate accumulation.

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 D, Aldolase B deficiency. Hereditary fructose intolerance is caused by aldolase B deficiency, causing accumulation of fructose-1-phosphate and impaired gluconeogenesis.

Why is "Galactokinase deficiency" not the answer?

Galactokinase deficiency affects galactose metabolism.

Why is "Fructokinase deficiency" not the answer?

Fructokinase deficiency causes benign essential fructosuria.

Why is "Lactase deficiency" not the answer?

Lactase deficiency causes osmotic diarrhea after lactose ingestion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Carbohydrate metabolism: fructose in Biochemistry. Fructose should be avoided once recognized.

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 Carbohydrate metabolism: fructose?

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.