Activated Carrier Molecules Flashcards
What are activated carrier molecules?
Molecules that store and transfer energy via high-energy bonds or electrons.
Activated carrier molecules include ATP, NADH, NADPH, and Acetyl CoA.
What is the energy currency of cells?
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
ATP is synthesized through the oxidation of food.
What happens during the hydrolysis of ATP?
It releases ~13 kcal/mole of energy, converting ATP to ADP + Pi.
This reaction is crucial for energy transfer within cells.
What is the role of NADH?
Used in ATP production.
NADH serves as an electron carrier in cellular respiration.
What is the role of NADPH?
Used in anabolic (biosynthetic) reactions.
NADPH provides reducing power for biosynthesis.
What is Acetyl CoA’s function in metabolism?
Transfers acetyl groups.
Acetyl CoA is vital for energy production and biosynthesis.
Why is biosynthesis important?
It converts small molecules into larger macromolecules.
Biosynthesis allows for the synthesis of complex molecules.
What is an example of interconversion of small molecules in biosynthesis?
Biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids.
This process allows the body to produce amino acids that are not obtained from the diet.
What does the synthesis of macromolecules from small molecules involve?
Protein synthesis from amino acids.
This pathway is crucial for cellular function and structure.
What is an example of modification and interconversion of macromolecules?
Post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation).
These modifications are essential for protein functionality.
What is tail polymerization?
Monomers carry the reactive bond (e.g., DNA, RNA, polysaccharides).
Tail polymerization is one of the mechanisms of macromolecule synthesis.
What is head polymerization?
Growing polymer carries the reactive bond (e.g., proteins, lipids).
This mechanism is important for the synthesis of various cellular structures.
What occurs during the activation step of biosynthesis?
ATP hydrolysis creates a high-energy intermediate.
This intermediate is crucial for driving biosynthetic reactions.
What is required during the condensation step of biosynthesis?
Energy input is required for the intermediate to react with another molecule.
This step links smaller molecules to form larger ones.
Where are proteins synthesized in a cell?
Rough ER.
The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum is studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Where are lipids synthesized in a cell?
Smooth ER.
The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum is involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism.
Where are carbohydrates synthesized in a cell?
Cytoplasm.
The cytoplasm is the site for various metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate synthesis.
Where is DNA synthesized in a cell?
Nucleus.
The nucleus contains the genetic material and is the site of DNA replication.
Where does carrier molecule activation occur?
Mitochondria.
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, involved in energy production.
