Topic 2.1Molecules to Metabolism

Urea & Falsification of Vitalism

Vitalism – theory the origin and phenomena of life are due to a vital principle, which is different from chemical or physical forces.

Organic compounds could only be made with the help of a “vital principle”

1872 Urea synthesized artificially – first organic compound

NO Vital Principle involved Evidence against theory of vitalism

Scientist accept that processes in living organisms are governed by same chemical and physical forces as in non-living matter

Hemoglobin still not able to be synthesized in lab

Urea Nitrogen-containing compound w/ simple structure Component of urine

Naturally produced when excess of amino acids in body, to remove nitrogen

Chemical reactions in liver, catalyzed by enzymes produce Urea Transported to kidneys urine Artificially ammonia + carbon dioxide ammonium carbamate urea +

water 100 million tons produced annually. Nitrogen fertilizer

carbon

15th most abundant element on earth Forms up to 4 covalent bonds with other atoms,

allowing for complex structures Forms single, double & triple bonds

C

Carbohydrates

Carbon, hydrogen & oxygen

2 Hydrogen:1 Oxygen

Lipids

Insoluble in water

Steroids, waxes, fatty acids, triglycerides

Triglycerides: fats if solid at room temp, oils if liquid

Proteins

One or more chains of amino acids

All amino acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen & nitrogen

20 amino acids contain sulfer

Nucleic acids

Chains of nucleotides

Nucleotides contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorous

Deoxyribonucleic acid

Ribonucleic acid

Functional groups

Methyl Group

Hydroxyl Group

Amino Group

Carboxyl Group

Aldehyde Group

Ketone Group

Ribose C5H10O5

5-membered ring with side chain 4 carbon atoms in ring, one in side chain Carbons numbered starting with number 1 on right Hydroxyl groups (OH) on carbons 1, 2 & 3 point up,

down, and down respectively

Glucose

C6H12O6

Six-membered ring with side chain 5 carbons in ring, one in side chain Carbons numbered starting with 1 on right Hydroxyl group (OH) on carbons 1, 2, 3, 4 point down, down, up

and down *** glucose in plants making cellulose: hydroxyl points up.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Carbon atoms form an unbranched chain Saturated acids contain only single bonds Usually between 14-20 carbon atoms Carboxyl group at one end of chain 3-hydrogen atoms at other end All middle carbons bonded to 2 hydrogen atoms

Amino Acids

Carbon in center of molecule, bonded to 4 different things

An amine group A carboxyl group A hydrogen atom The R group, which is variable

Identifying molecules

Proteins contain C, H, O and N Many proteins contain sulfur. Carbohydrates

and lipids don’t. Carbohydrates contain C, H, O, but No N Carbohydrates contain hydrogen and oxygen

in 2:1 ration Lipids contain less oxygen than

carbohydrates

Metabolism

The sum of all enzyme-catalysed reactions in a cell or organism.

A metabolic pathway is either a chain of events, each catalysed by an enzyme, or a cycle of reaction.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5q_jRGpCR4/UZ-DCDTG6XI/AAAAAAAAANM/JJ1JZ-ub7JU/s1600/krebs-cycle.jpg

http://staff.jccc.net/pdecell/metabolism/enzymes/feedback.gif

Anabolism vs. Catabolism

Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones

Monomers macromolecules

(amino acids protein) Condensation reactions

where water is produced Example: ?

• Breakdown of complex molecules to simpler ones

• Macromolecules monomers

(protein amino acid)• Hydrolysis reactions where

water is consumed• Example: ?

http://www.anabolicsmall.com/images/anabolic-steroid-alternatives.jpg

http://www.mariowiki.com/images/d/d6/Mariohammer.jpg

examples

Anabolism Catabolism Protein synthesis in ribosomes *Digestion of food DNA synthesis *Cell respiraton Photosynthesis *Digestion of

complex carbon compounds Synthesis of complex carbohydrates in dead organic matter by

decomposers

including starch, cellulose & glycogen