Question

Which is not a ketone body?
A) Succinic acid
B) Acetone
C) Acetoacetic acid
D) p-hydroxybutyric acid

Answer 1

Ketone body is the chemical substance which is formed inside the body when an adequate amount of insulin is not formed inside the body. The function of insulin is to lower the blood sugar level.

Complete step by step answer: Fatty Acid oxidation results in the formation of Acetyl-CoA. The mitochondria present in the liver cells then convert this Acetyl-CoA into Ketone bodies. Insulin breaks down the sugar molecule to release energy but when the proper amount of insulin is not formed in the body, then ketone bodies are formed which start breaking fat molecules to extract energy from it and start to accumulate sugar in the blood. Ketone bodies are discharged in the urine and the condition is called ‘Ketonuria’ which is also found in diabetic patients. Examples of ketone bodies are acetone, acetoacetic acid and p-hydroxybutyric acid. Among them, acetone can be removed from our body with our breath and remaining are excreted through urine. Succinic acid is not a ketone body and it is not harmful to us.
So, the correct answer is option A.

Additional information: There are certain symptoms that can be indicative of diabetes mellitus and these are:

1. Glycosuria: it is a condition which is characterised by the presence of excess sugar in the urine. It may also the indication of Kidney disease.
2. ketonuria: the presence of ketone bodies in the urine. Along with diabetes, it is also associated with prolonged starvation.

Note: Other diseases related to ketone bodies are:
Ketonemia: it is the condition when there is an accumulation of ketone in blood.
Uremia: it is the condition that arises due to malfunction of the kidney which leads to accumulation of urea in the blood.