Chemistry - Biochem intro

Basics

Anabolic reactions

* “building up” reactions
* make more complex structures
* require energy

Catabolic reactions

* “breaking down” reactions
* Making structures less complex
* Release energy

Metabolic pathways

Reactions that occur in controlled sequences and cycles

Enzymes

A specific catalyst that controls a metabolic reaction

Metabolites

Compounds that take part in a metabolic reaction

Precursors

The small molecules that are used for synthesis in anabolism

Energy coupling

* Using the products of a catabolism to drive an anabolism
* Uses AdenosineTriPhosphate

Futile cycles

shit breaks down idk

Trace elements

Essential components of living things, present in small amounts

Biomolecules

* Molecules present in living things
* Macromolecules

Macromolecules

* proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides
* polymers, meaning their monomers are *building blocks*

Condensation polymers

* Biopolymers
* Synthesis involves the loss of a molecule of water for each covalent bond that forms between 2 monomers

Polymerases

Catalyst for condensation polymerization

Hydrolysis

* Occurs during chemical digestion (?)
* Favoured by heat, acidic, or alkaline conditions

Condensation-hydrolysis cycle

Activity of biological molecules

* Depends on their structures and shapes
* Catalytic action of enzymes depends on their ability to temporarily bind to sbstrate
* Nucleic acids ability to store and transmit genetic info using chemical sequences

Transformation of energy

As energy is used for reactions, it will at some point will be released back as heat

Photosynthesis - anabolic

* Converting light energy into chemical energy
* Living organisms depend on it for their supply of food
* 6CO2 + 6H2O →→→ C6H12O6 + 6O2

Respiration - catabolic

The release of energy in a controlled way inside cells.

Glycolysis

The first stage of respiration.

Absence of oxygen creates anaerobic conditions.

Presence of oxygen creates aerobic conditions

Anaerobic conditions

In glycolysis, the absence of oxygens creates anaerobic conditions.

In anaerobic conditions, a little amount of energy is released, which will be enough to keep some cells alive. This results in the products of energy-rich molecules like lactate and ethanol.

Aerobic conditions

Aerobic conditions in glycolysis will allow for the full oxidation of glucose, and much greater release in energy.

The end products of aerobic respiration are the energy poor molecules carbon dioxide and water.

The process will include coupled redox reactions, through reduction and re-oxidation. In the end oxygen will reduce to water.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 →→→ 6CO2 + 6H20