Problem 22
Kwashiorkor is a protein-deficiency disease that occurs most commonly in small children, who characteristically have thin arms and legs and bloated, distended abdomens due to fluid imbalance. When such children are placed on adequate diets, they tend to lose weight at first. Explain this observation.
Problem 25
People on high-fiber diets often have less cancer (especially of the colon) and lower blood-cholesterol levels than people on low-fiber diets, even though fiber is not digestible. Suggest reasons for the benefits of fiber.
Problem 27
Alcoholics tend to be malnourished, with thiamine deficiency being a particularly severe problem. Suggest a reason why this is so.
Problem 35
What is the difference between a G protein and a receptor tyrosine kinase? Give an example of a hormone that uses each.
Problem 36
Give three examples of second messengers.
Problem 37
The average male with a computer hooked up to the Internet receives thousands of spam e-mails for all kinds of things, such as Viagra, weight-loss pills, and others not fit to print. Among the spam, one can find offers for human growth hormone pills guaranteed to make one young again. Why is this unlikely?
Problem 38
List two hormones that work through the cAMP second messenger.
Problem 50
What is the primary function of insulin?
Problem 53
What is insulin's effect on the following? (a) Glycogen breakdown (b) Glycogen synthesis (c) Glycolysis (d) Fatty-acid synthesis (e) Fatty-acid storage
