Clinical Nutritionist CCN Nutritional Biochemistry and Supplementation

Question 1

Which omega-3 fatty acid is primarily responsible for anti-inflammatory effects through production of resolvins and protectins?

Accepted Answer

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Answer

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)

Answer

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)

Answer

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)

Question 2

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol/ubiquinone) plays what essential role in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC)

Answer

Cofactor for ATP synthesis in the cytoplasm

Answer

Substrate for fatty acid beta-oxidation

Answer

Precursor for steroid hormone synthesis

Question 3

What is the function of the methionine cycle and why is it clinically important?

Accepted Answer

It regenerates methionine from homocysteine, producing SAM for methylation reactions, and requires B12, folate, and B6

Answer

It converts methionine to cysteine via the transsulfuration pathway exclusively

Answer

It is responsible for producing creatine in the liver and kidneys

Answer

It regulates branched-chain amino acid catabolism in skeletal muscle

Question 4

Alpha-lipoic acid is considered a 'universal antioxidant' because:

Accepted Answer

It is both water- and fat-soluble and can regenerate other antioxidants including vitamins C and E and glutathione

Answer

It contains all essential amino acids and micronutrients

Answer

It acts exclusively in the mitochondria to neutralize reactive oxygen species

Answer

It inhibits xanthine oxidase and reduces superoxide production

Question 5

Which precursor is required for endogenous synthesis of carnitine, essential for mitochondrial fatty acid transport?

Accepted Answer

Lysine and methionine, with cofactors vitamin C, B6, niacin, and iron

Answer

Tryptophan and threonine with pyridoxal phosphate

Answer

Cysteine and glutamate with selenium

Answer

Phenylalanine and arginine with zinc

Question 6

Phosphatidylcholine is a major membrane phospholipid that also serves as a precursor for which neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA