Exam 2 biochem review

Carbohydrates

Molecules rich in hydroxyl groups that provide energy and act as cell-cell recognition signals.

Catabolism

The breakdown of molecules to obtain energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of compounds needed by cells.

Aldose

A monosaccharide with an aldehyde group.

Ketose

A monosaccharide with a ketone group.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that are either aldehydes or ketones with 2 or more hydroxyl groups.

Glycoproteins

Proteins with carbohydrates attached, important in cellular recognition.

Lectins

Carbohydrate-binding proteins that recognize specific carbohydrates on other cells.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose to pyruvate, producing ATP.

Lactose Intolerance

Inability to digest lactose due to lack of lactase enzyme, leading to fermentation.

Substrate-level phosphorylation

The direct transfer of a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP during glycolysis.

Oxidative phosphorylation

ATP generation from the oxidation of NADH and FADH2, powered by an electrochemical gradient.

Fructose-2,6-bisphosphate

An allosteric activator of phosphofructokinase, stimulating glycolysis and inhibiting gluconeogenesis.

Glucagon

Hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis and increases blood glucose levels.

Insulin

Hormone that decreases blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake.

Pyruvate carboxylase

Enzyme that converts pyruvate to oxaloacetate in gluconeogenesis.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK-1)

Key regulatory enzyme in glycolysis, inhibited by ATP and citrate.

Energy charge

The fraction of ATP relative to the total adenine nucleotides, important for metabolic regulation.

Hyperglycemia

Condition of elevated blood sugar levels, often linked with diabetes.

Hypoglycemia

Condition of low blood sugar levels, potentially leading to dizziness or fainting.

McArdle Disease

A glycogen storage disease caused by a deficiency in muscle phosphorylase.

Gluconeogenesis

The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors like lactate and amino acids.

Allosteric Regulation

A process where the function of an enzyme is modified by the binding of an effector molecule.

Hydrogen Test

Diagnostic test for lactose intolerance measuring hydrogen levels in breath after lactose consumption.