Metabolism & Bioenergetics MCAT Practice Question
A clinical biochemist notes that a patient with Type 2 diabetes exhibits elevated basal glucose production despite high blood glucose and insulin levels. Liver biopsy reveals increased expression of gluconeogenic enzymes (PEPCK and G6Pase) and decreased glycogen synthase activity. What is the most likely molecular mechanism underlying this metabolic dysfunction?
Answer choices
- DImpaired insulin signaling leading to reduced FOXO1 phosphorylation and increased transcription of gluconeogenic enzymesCorrect answer
- AIncreased insulin receptor sensitivity in hepatocytes
- BIncreased ATP/ADP ratio activating gluconeogenic pathways
- CExcessive glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) signaling
- EEnhanced leptin signaling suppressing hepatic glucose uptake
- FIncreased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity promoting phosphorylation and activation of PEPCK
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