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Question #45445
The Question
The host endocrine system and gut microbiome exhibit dynamic metabolic cross-talk. During prolonged hypoinsulinemia, reduced host cellular glucose uptake can lead to increased carbohydrate availability in the distal gut, altering microbial fermentation. Regarding the subsequent effect on gut methanogens and host metabolic flux, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Increased primary fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrates raises luminal H2 and CO2, which serve as direct substrates for methanogenesis.
- B.
Methanogens directly utilize the excess luminal glucose via the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway to produce methane and reduce osmotic load.
- C.
Enhanced methanogenic activity prevents H2 accumulation, thereby thermodynamically favoring continued carbohydrate fermentation by primary gut bacteria.
- D.
The resulting shift in microbial metabolic flux alters the production of short-chain fatty acids, which upon absorption can modulate host hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Insulin|Glucagon|Methanogens Metabolism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The Conceptual Pivot lies in distinguishing the metabolic capabilities of different microbial taxa.
A common misconception is assuming that an influx of glucose into the gut lumen directly feeds all microbiome members.
Students must recall the specific NCERT-level metabolic constraint of methanogens (Archaebacteria): they utilize H2 and CO2, not raw glucose, making them secondary consumers in the gut ecosystem.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Chemical Coordination and Integration - Class 11 |
| Concept | Insulin vs Glucagon Effects |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |