2.1 Molecules To Metabolism Flashcards
Molecular Biology
Explains living processes in terms of chemical substances involved.
Urea
-component of urine
-produced when excess amino acids
-exctretes nitrogen from amino acids
-produced in liver and tranported to kidneys through bloodstream
can be synthesised artificially
Vitalism Theory
The origin and phenomena of life are due to a vital principle (life or soul) and not from physical or chemical forces.
Friedrich Wohler
-synthesised urea for the first time (1828)
-artificial urea (silver asocyanate + ammonium chloride) was first artificially synthesises organic compound.
Carbon Compounds
-used to maka many molecules
-covaltent bonds with other atoms
-forms almost unlimited chemical composition and activity in cells
-up to 4 covalent bonds
-makes rings or chains of any length
Types Of Carbon Compounds
-Carbohydrates
-Lipids
-Proteins
-Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates
-carbon, hydrogen. oxygen
- 2H:1O
Lipids
-insoluble in water
-includes: steroids, fatty acids, waxes, triglycerides
-solid at room temp (fats)
-liquid at room temp (oils)
Preoteins
-one or more chains of amino acids
-carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen
Nucleic Acids
-chaines of nucleotides
-carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus
-two types
Types Of Nucleic Acids
-Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
-Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Metabolism
Web of enzyme catalysed reactions in cell or organism.
-Divided into: anabolism & catabolism
Anabolism
-Formation of complex molecules from simpler ones.
-monomers to macromolecules by condensation
-Require energy (ATP)
-Includes:
1. protein synthesis from ribosomes
2. DNA synthesis in replication
3. photosynthesis and glucose from CO2 and H2O
4. synthesis of starch, cellulose, glycogen
Catabolism
Breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones.
