Ketone bodies: which tissue cannot use them?
During prolonged fasting, which tissue makes ketone bodies but cannot use them for energy?
Answer C: explanation for every choice
A
After several days of fasting, the brain adapts to get a large share of its energy from ketone bodies.
B
Cardiac muscle uses ketone bodies readily.
C
Correct. The liver makes ketone bodies but lacks succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase (thiophorase), which is needed to use acetoacetate.
D
Skeletal muscle uses ketone bodies, especially early in fasting.
TakeawayThe liver makes ketone bodies but can't use them. Red blood cells can't either, because they have no mitochondria.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb21.