0212 Concept of metabolism and key molecular players Flashcards
Metabolic pathways convert cellular compounds Catabolism is the breakdown of macromolecules Anabolism is the synthesis of macromolecules Cells vary in their metabolic capabilities and roles Organelles provide specialised metabolic roles Transporters shuttle and sequester metabolites Enzymes catalyse biochemical reactions Cell redox state regulates enzyme activity Hormones regulate enzyme capacity Hormones elicit signal transduction pathways Phosphorylat
What is metabolism
• Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions within the cells of living organisms that allow organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments
What is anabolic metabolism
• Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units. These reactions require energy
What is catabolic metabolism
• Catabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units to release energy
Name 2 of the major inter-organ transport proteins and list some examples of what they carry
Albumin - carries fatty acids, hormones and drugs
Lipoproteins - carries hydrophobic compounds
What are enzymes and what is their primary function
Enzymes are large molecules that function to lower the activation energy required for a reaction. They MAKE or BREAK chemical bonds
List the 4 different ways enzymes can catalyze a chemical reaction
Acid-base provision, promoting transition state formation, Promoting proximity and manipulation via protein structural flexibility
List the 2 main players of metabolic regulation
Cell redox molecules and hormones
What are hormones
• Hormones are biochemicals produced by glands, and transported by the circulatory system to a distant target organ to coordinate its physiology and behaviour. They regulate enzymes and elicit signal transduction and pathways
