7-Biochemistry-生物化学.pptVIP

Transducing and Storing Energy ATP synthase. This enzyme is a molecular assembly that transduces the free energy associated with a proton gradient to the chemical energy associated with ATP. The proton gradient drives the rotation of one component of the assembly within the other. This rotational motion in turn drives the synthesis and release of ATP. Metabolism: Basic Concepts and Design 1. How does a cell extract energy and reducing power from its environment?2. How does a cell synthesize the building blocks of its macromolecules and then the macromolecules themselves? Cells Transform Different Types of Energy Living organisms require a continual input of free energy for three major purposes: (1) the performance of mechanical work in muscle contraction and other cellular movements, (2) the active transport of molecules and ions, (3) the synthesis of macromolecules and other biomolecules from simple precursors. Photosynthetic organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. Chemotrophs, which include animals, obtain chemical energy through the oxidation of foodstuffs generated by phototrophs. Finally, chemical energy powers the reactions that result in the synthesis of biomolecules. These transformations are referred to as metabolism or intermediary metabolism. Metabolism Is Composed of Many Coupled, Interconnecting Reactions We can divide metabolic pathways into two broad classes: (1) those that convert energy into biologically useful forms and (2) those that require inputs of energy to proceed. Those reactions that transform fuels into cellular energy are called catabolic reactions or, more generally, catabolism. Those reactions that require energy—such as the synthesis of glucose, fats, or DNA—are called anabolic reactions or anabolism. A Thermodynamically Unfavorable Reaction Can Be Driven by a Favorable Reaction A pathway must satisfy minimally two criteria: (1) the individual reactions must be specific. (2) the entire set of reactions th