Biochemistry 101: Energy Production and Macronutrients

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts related to biochemistry, energy production, and macronutrient metabolism as introduced in the lecture.

Biochemistry

The science of chemical processes in organisms.

Macronutrients

Components of food required in large quantities: carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Carbohydrates

Hydrated carbons (C with attached H2O), the most basic form being glucose.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy (ATP).

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, connected by peptide bonds, forming polypeptides.

Fatty Acids

Long carbon chains with an acid group (carboxyl group) found in fats.

Acetyl-CoA

A central metabolite in energy production made from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, releasing energy when hydrolyzed to ADP.

TCA Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

A vital energy production pathway that oxidizes metabolites to produce energy.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process during which ATP is formed from the reduction of oxygen to water.

Anaerobic Conditions

Physiological state where oxygen is deficient, leading to lactate production from pyruvate.

Metabolites

Products of metabolism that can be transformed into one another during energy production.

Decarboxylation

The removal of CO2 from pyruvate to form acetyl-CoA in the TCA cycle.

Oxaloacetate

A four-carbon molecule that combines with acetyl-CoA to enter the TCA cycle.

GTP (Guanosine Triphosphate)

A molecule similar to ATP used for specific reactions in metabolism.