University:
The University Of Western Ontario
Course:
Biology 2290F | Scientific Method in Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

475

Pages:

3
Author:

Kyuwon J.

Metabolism ● Metabolism ○ interconnected series of individual enzyme catalyzed chemical reaction ○ Integrated through energy/redox carriers ATP/ADP and NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ○ Organized into metabolic pathways Metabolic pathways ● Series of enzymes catalyzed reaction ● starting substrate, starting metabolites, precursors ● “End Product” ○ Must be fixed, Definable ● Directional ● Incremental, stepwise, modification molecules Metabolic pathways are artificial constructus ● Represent convenient ways to infuse organization to the complexity ○ Metabolic activity in cell ○ Organs ○ Tissue ○ Whole organisms ● The cell is crowded place, with little “free water” ● 50% of water is in association with macromolecules ○ Hydration shells Common Characteristics of Metabolic Pathways ● Metabolic pathways are irreversible in vivo ● Metabolic pathways have commitment steps ○ regulated ○ Compartmentalized in Eukaryotes 1. Linear and Branched ● Have precursor metabolites as a starting product ● Irreversible step-bolded arrow ● Reversible steps in arrows pointing either way ● Branchpoing- intermediate 2. Circular ● Continuous repetition of sequential reaction ○ At least one point of entry for precursor/intermediate ○ At least one point for product output ● Pathway is priming, repeating it self ● ex) ○ Calvin cycle ○ Citric acid cycle 3. Spiral ● Continuous repetitive cycle of reactions ● Building up or breaking down macromolecules ○ Repetitive addition of common precursor to make a larger product ■ ex) ● Fatty acid synthesis