NZQA registered unit standard
26491 version 2
Page 1 of 3
Title
Discuss the cellular metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and fatty
acids
Level
6
Credits
6
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: discuss the
metabolism of glucose and amino acids; describe metabolism
of fatty acids; and discuss the role of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP) in metabolism.
Classification
Science > Biochemistry
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Unit 26489, Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and
function of lipids; and Unit 26490, Demonstrate knowledge of
the structure, properties, and functions of amino acids and
proteins; or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Recommended skills
and knowledge
Explanatory notes
Glossary
Pathway refers to a series of biochemical reactions occurring in cells. For example,
glycolysis is a pathway in the respiration process.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Discuss the metabolism of glucose.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The metabolism of glucose is discussed in terms of relationships between
pathways and cellular location.
Range
1.2
glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain,
glycogen metabolism.
The fates of pyruvate are discussed in relation to fermentation products.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
26491 version 2
Page 2 of 3
Outcome 2
Discuss the metabolism of amino acids.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The general metabolic reactions of amino acids are discussed.
Range
amination, deamination, decarboxylation, transamination.
2.2
The fate of amino acids in the respiratory process is discussed.
2.3
Ketogenic and glucogenic amino acids are distinguished.
2.4
The processes for excretion of excess nitrogen in animals are discussed.
Outcome 3
Describe the metabolism of fatty acids.
Evidence requirements
3.1
The pathways of fatty acid metabolism are described.
Range
3.2
β-oxidation, Krebs cycle, formation and function of ketone bodies.
Lipid biosynthetic pathways are described.
Range
two of – fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids.
Outcome 4
Discuss the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in metabolism.
Evidence requirements
4.1
The energetics (ATP yield) of the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and fatty
acids are compared.
4.2
The relationship and interconversion of ATP and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
are explained.
Range
4.3
cellular location, adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATPase),
proton motive force.
The coupled nature of electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation is
discussed.
Replacement information
This unit standard replaced unit standard 8057.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
Planned review date
26491 version 2
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31 December 2018
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
17 September 2010
N/A
Rollover
2
27 January 2015
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0152
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact NZQA National Qualifications Services nqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016