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.
Morphological Differentiation
The specific stage of development in an organism that often correlates with the production of secondary metabolites.
Independent Growth
The producer organism can grow and survive without synthesizing these secondary metabolites, which are not essential for basic cellular functions.
Diversity of Secondary Metabolites
Over 100,000 different secondary metabolites have been identified from plants, fungi, and bacteria, showcasing the extensive diversity in nature.
What are the Major classes of secondary metabolites
- Polyketides (PKS)
- Non-ribosomal peptides (NRP)
- Terpenes (TP)
- Indole alkaloids (IA)
Polyketides (PKS)
Secondary metabolites found in bacteria, fungi, and plants.
PKS Biosynthesis
They are synthesized through the decarboxylative condensation of acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA, a process similar to fatty acid synthesis.
PKS Diversity
Polyketides form a diverse family of compounds with various functions.
PKS Pharmacological Importance
Known for their pharmacologically significant properties, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antitumor, and agrochemical activities.
PKS Production
Produced in large quantities by biotechnology companies, highlighting their commercial importance.
