This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Biochemistry
Increased alanine during prolonged fasting represents- 
Select and explain. 
A. Increased breakdown of muscle proteins, B. Impaired renal function, C. Decreased utilization of amino acid from Glucogenesis, D. Leakage of amino acids from cells due to plasma membrane leakage
A: Increased breakdown of muscle proteins
Answer: A: Increased breakdown of muscle proteins 
Explanation: During prolonged fasting there is increased gluconeogenesis. Alanine is provided by the muscle is one of the substrates for gluconeogenesis and is called Glucose Alanine cycle. So plasma level of alanine increases in prolonged starvation.