Energy rich molecules

Figure 3. Examples of major types of uptake mechanisms realised in prokaryotic outer membranes (a to c) and cytoplasmic membranes (a, and d to 1). The solutes to be transported are shown by filled circles x symbolises another solute which is transported in the same or in the opposite direction. In systems h-k, uptake is driven by the cleavage of ATP to ADP and phosphate. One type of uptake system, 1, depends on the energy-rich molecule phosphoenolpyruvate shown as PEP .

ATP is an energy rich molecule because its triphosphate unit contains two phosphoanhydride bonds. A large amount of free energy is liberated when ATP is hydrolysed to ADP or AMP. 

Cytochrome c and Cytochrome c Oxidase. - The mitochondrial electron transport chain is the site at which most of the free energy to be obtained from the oxidation of substrates is released and conserved as the energy-rich molecule ATP. In the final stage of this process, CcO, which is supplied with electrons by cyt c, catalyses the four-electron reduction of oxygen to water. Both are haem proteins, with CcO containing two haem and three copper centres, and both exhibit peroxidase-type activity. 

Nutrients are the constituents of food necessary to sustain the normal functions of the body. All energy is provided by three classes of nutrients fefe, carbohydrates, protein, and in some diets, ethanol (Figure 27.1). The intake of these energy-rich molecules is larger than that of the other dietary nutrients. Therefore, they are called the macronutrients. This chapter focuses on the kinds and amounts of macronutrients that are needed to maintain optimal health and prevent chronic disease in adults. Those nutrients needed in lesser amounts, such as vitamins and minerals, are called the micronutrients, and are considered in Chapter 28. 

Introduction to metabolism Definition of catabolic and anabolic pathways INTRODUCTION TO METABOLISM (p. 89) Most pathways can be classified as either catabolic (they degrade complex molecules to a few simple products, such as C02, NH3, and water) or anabolic (they synthesize complex end-products from simple precursors). Catabolic reactions also capture chemical energy in the form of ATP from the degradation of energy-rich molecules. Anabolic reactions require energy, which is generally provided by the breakdown of ATP. 

Prompt and delayed ionization is familiar for very energy rich molecules. The special feature of high Rydberg states is the initial state that is optically prepared, a state directly coupled to the continuum on the one hand and to a very dense bound manifold on the other. The dynamical theory necessary to describe such states has been reviewed, with special reference to the extremely long-time decay. It is suggested that this resilience to decay is due... 

Fermentation, which occurs in the absence of molecular 02 and produces energy-rich molecules, such as ethanol or lactic acid, with release of relatively little useable energy... 

The Krebs-citric acid cycle is the final common pathway for the oxidation of fuel molecules amino acids, fatty acids and carbohydrates. Most fuel molecules enter the cycle as a breakdown product, acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA), which reacts with oxaloacetate (a four-carbon compound) to produce citrate (a six-carbon compound), which is then converted in a series of enzyme-catalysed steps back to oxaloacetate. In the process, two molecules of carbon dioxide and four energy-rich molecules are given off, and these latter are the precursors of the energy-rich molecule ATP, which is subsequently formed and which acts as the fuel source for all aerobic organisms. 

ATP is a nucleotide consisting of an adenine, a ribose, and a triphosphate unit (Figure 14.3). The active form of ATP is usually a complex of ATP with Mg2+ or Mn2+ (Section 9.4.2). In considering the role of ATP as an energy carrier, we can focus on its triphosphate moiety. ATP is an energy-rich molecule because its triphosphate unit contains two phosphoanhydride bonds. A large amount of free energy is liberated when ATP is hydrolyzed to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and orthophosphate (Pj) or when ATP is hydrolyzed to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and pyrophosphate... 

The opposite process occurs during biosynthesis. Simple organic molecules such as pyruvic acid, acetyl unit or intermediate compounds of citric acid cycle serve as starting molecules for varied biosynthetic products. The energy rich molecules such as ATP or NADPH derived from catabolic reactions are utilized in the biosynthetic reactions. 

This reaction, which is an aldol condensation followed by a hydrolysis, is catalyzed by citrate synthase. Oxaloacetate first condenses with acetyl CoA to form citryl CoA, an energy-rich molecule because it contains the thioester bond that originated in acetyl CoA. The hydrolysis of citryl CoA thioester to citrate and C oA drives the overall reaction far in the direction of the synthesis of citrate. In essence, the hydrolysis of the thioester powers the synthesis of a new molecule from two precursors. 

Fig. 3-15 Trophic levels in ecosystems. Thin arrows show flow of energy up the food chain (through living biomass) and the broad arrows show the complementary flow of The bodies of living organisms are excellent sources dead organic matter (detritus) back down. R indicates of energy-rich molecules that can be used to fuel the respiration.

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