lecture 1 Flashcards
Metabolism
The sum of all biochemical or chemical reactions carried out by a living organism
Catabolism
break down of organic materials and production of energy
Anabolism
synthesis of cellular complex components such as proteins, nucleic acids and consumption of energy
Primary Metabolism
The essential metabolic pathways that include both catabolic and anabolic processes for lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Vital for the organism’s survival.
Intermediate Metabolites
Molecules produced during primary metabolism that can be used as building blocks for secondary metabolites.
Glycolysis
The metabolic pathway for glucose oxidation, generating ATP.
Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs’ Cycle)
A metabolic cycle that oxidizes acetyl-CoA to produce energy (in the form of GTP) and valuable intermediates.
Oxidative Phosphorylation
The process that disposes of electrons generated in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to produce ATP.
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
A metabolic pathway responsible for the synthesis of pentoses and providing reducing power (NADPH) for anabolic reactions.
Urea Cycle
A series of reactions that convert toxic NH4+ into less harmful forms for excretion.
Fatty Acid β-Oxidation
The breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, which can be used for energy production.
Gluconeogenesis
The synthesis of glucose from smaller precursors, important for providing glucose to the brain.
Secondary Metabolism
Metabolic pathways that occur outside of primary metabolism, leading to the production of low molecular weight bioactive molecules.
Low Molecular Weight Molecules
Small-sized molecules produced during secondary metabolism, often with specific bioactive properties.
Bioactive Molecules
Molecules with various biological effects, including antibiotic, cytotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive, and enzyme inhibitory properties.
