As a human goes into the starved state, the adipose - liver fatty acid / VLDL cycle (AKA "Dixon" cycle):

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The stem asks about the adipose – liver fatty acid / VLDL cycle, also referred to as the Dixon cycle, as a human enters a starved (fasting) state.
Option 1: 'Increases gradually to keep you alive' - This aligns with physiology of fasting where adipose tissue lipolysis releases non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) that travel to the liver, where they are re-esterified and packaged into VLDL for distribution, supporting energy needs and maintaining plasma glucose and energy homeostasis over time. The cycle ramps up as energy demand persists, which is consistent with a gradual increase in mobilization to sustain life during prolonged fasting.
Option 2: 'Replenishes the glycogen stores' - Glycogen stores in liver and muscle are depleted during fasting and are not replenished without a meal. The Dixon cycle is about fat mobilization and VLDL production, not glycogen re-synthesis. Therefore this statement is inaccurate for the starvation state described.
Option 3: 'Decreases to a very low level to slow you down' - During fasting, you would not expect the adipose-liver fatty acid/VLDL flux to drop to very low levels; energy substrates are mobilized to spare glucose and support vital organs. A dramatic decrease would undermine metabolic adaptation and energetics, making this option incorrect.
Option 4: 'Does not change at all' - In starvation, metabolic pathways adapt dynamically: lipolysis increases, NEFA flux rises, hepatic export of triglycerides via VLDL changes, and the overall cycle is modulated to meet energy demands. Saying there is no change contradicts known physiological adaptations to fasting, so this is false.

In summary, the correct concept is that during starvation, the adipose–liver fatty acid / VLDL (Dixon) cycle adjusts by increasing substrate mobilization to support ongoing energy needs, rather than remaining static or decreasing inappropriately. The other options mischaracterize the fasting metabolic response by implying glycogen replenishment, drastic suppression, or no change, none of which fit the starved-state physiology.

11:709:255:01 NUTRITION AND HEALTH ExamQuiz 2 - Spring 2025- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

As a human goes into the starved state, the adipose - liver fatty acid / VLDL cycle (AKA "Dixon" cycle):

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