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Q28 - BDNF, β-AR Signaling, and Brown Fat Thermogenesis

Theoretical A Real exam question - full text reproduced under IBO's CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license

BDNF, a brain protein, is crucial for neuron activities. BDNF is activated during the activation of neurons of the limbic system. An important function of BDNF in mammals is shown in Figure Q.28. The signal via the catecholamine receptor (β-AR) has a specific positive effect on the browning process and thermogenesis.

Figure 1. Figure 1.

Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.

A. Regularly learning and memorizing activities help to increase the number of brown fat cells.
B. Inhibition of BDNF expression reduces the size of white adipose tissue.
C. Psychological anxiety increases the manifestation of the β-AR.
D. β-AR gene-deleted mice will show higher sensitivity to cold

Question reproduced from IBO 2016, Theoretical Paper A, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)