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Biochemistry Metabolism and Key Concepts

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Termini in questo insieme (21)

  • What are the two main types of metabolism?
    Catabolism (breakdown of molecules to produce energy) and anabolism (biosynthesis of molecules requiring energy). Both have three stages.
  • What molecule is considered the currency of energy in cells?
    ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency used to drive biochemical reactions.
  • Name the five types of biochemical reactions emphasized in metabolism.
    Oxidation, reduction, group transfer, hydrolysis, and isomerization, with emphasis on oxidation and reduction.
  • What is the primary goal of metabolism?
    The primary goal is ATP production to supply energy for cellular processes.
  • What are the main stages of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis?
    Both involve three stages: energy investment, cleavage, and energy generation phases.
  • What is the role of the electron transport chain (ETC)?
    The ETC transfers electrons through four protein complexes to create a proton motive force used by ATP synthase to generate ATP.
  • What is the proton motive force?
    A gradient of protons across the mitochondrial membrane that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase.
  • What are reactive oxygen species (ROS)?
    Highly reactive molecules formed as byproducts of electron transport that can damage cells if not controlled.
  • What is glycogen and its metabolic significance?
    Glycogen is a storage form of glucose, metabolized to maintain blood sugar and supply energy.
  • What is the pentose phosphate pathway important for?
    It generates NADPH for biosynthesis and ribose-5-phosphate for nucleotide synthesis.
  • What is nitrogen fixation?
    The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) for incorporation into amino acids.
  • What is the urea cycle's function?
    It converts toxic ammonia into urea for safe excretion from the body.
  • What distinguishes essential from non-essential amino acids?
    Essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet; non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.
  • Why is cysteine a unique amino acid?
    Because it contains sulfur, which is important for disulfide bond formation and protein structure.
  • What is the role of transamination in amino acid metabolism?
    It transfers amino groups between amino acids and keto acids, facilitating nitrogen movement.
  • What cofactors are important in purine nucleotide synthesis?
    Key cofactors include PLP (pyridoxal phosphate) and THF (tetrahydrofolate).
  • Where is ATP generated in metabolism?
    ATP is produced during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain.
  • What is the significance of large changes in free energy (ΔG) in metabolism?
    Large negative ΔG values indicate reactions that are energetically favorable and drive metabolic pathways forward.
  • How are protons generated in metabolism?
    Protons are released during oxidation reactions and pumped across membranes by the electron transport chain to create the proton motive force.
  • What is fatty acid oxidation?
    The breakdown of fatty acids to generate acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2 for energy production.
  • How are fatty acids transported into mitochondria?
    Via the carnitine shuttle system, which transfers fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane.