Purely ketogenic amino acids
Which amino acid is purely ketogenic, so its carbon skeleton cannot be used for net glucose synthesis?
Answer C: explanation for every choice
A
Alanine is converted to pyruvate, which is glucogenic.
B
Glutamate is converted to α-ketoglutarate, which is glucogenic.
C
Correct. Leucine (and lysine) is broken down to acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate, which cannot be converted to glucose.
D
Aspartate is converted to oxaloacetate, which is glucogenic.
TakeawayOnly leucine and lysine are purely ketogenic.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb123.