CPN Nutrient Metabolism & Physiology Flashcards

Which fatty acid is classified as essential for dogs because they lack the delta-6-desaturase activity needed to synthesize it?

Answer: Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) is an essential fatty acid for dogs because they cannot introduce double bonds at the omega-6 position of precursor fatty acids.

Fat provides how many kilocalories per gram, compared to 4 kcal/g for both protein and carbohydrates?

Answer: 9 kcal/g

Fat provides 9 kcal per gram, making it the most energy-dense macronutrient and over twice as calorie-dense as protein or carbohydrates.

Which metabolic process sequentially cleaves two-carbon units from fatty acids, producing acetyl-CoA for energy generation?

Answer: Beta-oxidation

Beta-oxidation occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and systematically removes two-carbon acetyl-CoA units from fatty acids, feeding them into the Krebs cycle.

Cats have severely limited ability to convert which plant-based omega-3 fatty acid to the longer-chain EPA and DHA?

Answer: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)

Cats have very low delta-6-desaturase and elongase activity, making them unable to efficiently convert ALA from plant sources (flaxseed, chia) to EPA and DHA.

What is the primary short-term carbohydrate storage molecule in the liver and skeletal muscle of dogs and cats?

Answer: Glycogen

Glycogen is the branched polysaccharide used for carbohydrate storage in animals, primarily in the liver (for blood glucose regulation) and skeletal muscle (for local energy).

Which pancreatic cell type secretes insulin in response to elevated blood glucose concentrations?

Answer: Beta cells

Beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas detect rising blood glucose and secrete insulin to promote glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.