2.1 Molecules to metabolism Flashcards
Relationship between genes and polypeptides
Genes have information required to code for protein synthesis through transcription and translation
Metabolic pathway
Series of connected chemical reactions where one molecule is transformed into another
Reductionist approach to metabolic pathways
Involves researching and then breaking down the various biochemical processes of an organism into its component parts
Metabolism
Sum of all metabolic pathways in a cell or organism, including enzyme catalyzed reactions
Why is reductionist approach limited?
Sometimes emergent properties arise only when component parts are combined so it can’t be reduced to a single component
What type of bonds do carbon molecules form?
They form covalent bonds
How does the strength of a carbon bond compare?
Stable carbon based molecules can be formed because the electrostatic force of attraction between shared electrons of bonded atoms increases the strength
Why can carbon form 4 bonds with up to 4 different atoms?
They have 4 valence electrons so they can gain or lose 4 electrons. This allows single or double covalent bonds to be formed with multiple elements
What are carbs made of? (Hint: carboHYDRATES)
Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (H:O=2:1)
Features of lipids
- Insoluble in water
- Non-polar
- Fats when solid at room temp.
- Oils when liquid at room temp.
Examples of lipids
Steroids, fatty acids, triglycerides, waxes
Features of proteins
-Composed of one or more chains of amino acids
What is a protein made of ?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
What are nucleic acids made of?
Made of nucleotides (subunits). Contain C,H,N,O,P
Pentose vs. hexose
Pentose has 5 carbons while hexose has 6
Eg. of pentose and hexose
Ribose and Glucose
Name the parts of an amino acid
- Amine group (NH2)
- Carboxyl group (COOH)
- Variable part (CH+R group)
Anabolism and catabolism: Synthesis or breakdown?
- Anabolism: Synthesis
- Catabolism: Breakdown
Anabolism and catabolism: Type of reaction
- Anabolism: Condensation
- Catabolism: Hydrolysis
Anabolism and catabolism: Substrates
- Anabolism: Monomers
- Catabolism: Complex molecules
Anabolism and catabolism: Products
- Anabolism: Complex molecules
- Catabolism: Simple monomers
Anabolism and catabolism: Water produced or used?
- Anabolism: Water produced
- Catabolism: Water used
Anabolism and catabolism: Enzymes/agents involved
- Anabolism: ATP used for energy
- Catabolism: None. ATP is formed
Vitalism: What did Wohler falsify?
Idea that some ‘vital’ force is required to synthesize organic compounds in living organisms
How did Wohler falsify vitalism?
He accidentally synthesize urea in his lab showing that organic compounds can be formed from inorganic compounds
What compound was Wohler trying to produce instead of urea?
Ammonium cyanate
Core idea behind vitalism
It proposes that an unknowable factor is essential in explaining life
How did meaning of organic compounds change after Wohler?
It became anything that contained carbon
