Lipid metabolism: beta oxidation: 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: beta oxidation

Sample item

Which finding is expected in medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency during fasting?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hypoketotic hypoglycemia

MCAD deficiency prevents adequate beta oxidation of medium-chain fatty acids during fasting, limiting ATP and ketone production. Children can develop hypoketotic hypoglycemia and encephalopathy.

Option by option

  • A. Isolated hyperbilirubinemia

    Bilirubin elevation alone does not describe this metabolic crisis.

  • B. Marked ketoacidosis with high ketones

    High ketones would be expected when fatty-acid oxidation is functioning.

  • C. Hypoketotic hypoglycemia (correct)

    Correct. Inability to generate ketones during fasting is the key clue.

  • D. Hyperglycemia with glucosuria

    Glucosuria is not the typical defect.

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 C, Hypoketotic hypoglycemia. MCAD deficiency prevents adequate beta oxidation of medium-chain fatty acids during fasting, limiting ATP and ketone production.

Why is "Isolated hyperbilirubinemia" not the answer?

Bilirubin elevation alone does not describe this metabolic crisis.

Why is "Marked ketoacidosis with high ketones" not the answer?

High ketones would be expected when fatty-acid oxidation is functioning.

Why is "Hyperglycemia with glucosuria" not the answer?

Glucosuria is not the typical defect.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lipid metabolism: beta oxidation in Biochemistry. Children can develop hypoketotic hypoglycemia and encephalopathy.

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: beta oxidation?

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.