When glucose is unavailable, neurons can use its products as energy sources; those products include beta hydroxy-butyrate, which lacks its namesake functional group.
An enzyme in this pathway is also used in the last step of a fermentation process developed by Chaim Weizmann. That enzyme from this pathway has an active site lysine whose pKa ("p-K-a") is altered to be 4.5 units below its normal value. Activation of this pathway is the preferred treatment for pediatric epilepsy. Leucine and lysine are the only two amino acids that are exclusively metabolized via this pathway. Its products can be identi3ed in urine by a pink color on nitro-prusside sticks. Kussmaul breathing is triggered by activation of this pathway in diabetics. When glucose is unavailable, neurons can use its products as energy sources; those products include beta hydroxy-butyrate, which lacks its namesake functional group. For 10 points, name this fasting pathway that converts fatty acids into molecules like acetone, activated by diets like the Atkins.
An enzyme in this pathway is also used in the last step of a fermentation process developed by Chaim Weizmann.
ketogenesis [accept ketosis, ketoacidosis, or ketone body synthesis or production]