The Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and oxidative phosphorylation are critical for ATP production in aerobic organisms. Several inhibitors can interfere with the ETC and oxidative phosphorylation, leading to reduced or halted ATP synthesis. These inhibitors can affect specific complexes within the ETC, mobile electron carriers, or the ATP synthase enzyme. Inhibitors of the Electron Transport […]
Oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which ATP is synthesized using the energy released by the transfer of electrons through the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) to molecular oxygen. This process occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is the primary method of ATP production in aerobic organisms. Mechanism of Oxidative Phosphorylation 1. Electron Transport Chain […]
The Electron Transport Chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes and other molecules embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that plays a critical role in cellular respiration. It is the final stage of aerobic respiration, where the energy stored in NADH and FADH2, generated during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and beta-oxidation, is used […]
The regulation of blood glucose levels is a complex and tightly controlled process involving several hormones. The two primary hormones responsible for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis are insulin and glucagon, both produced by the pancreas. 1. Insulin Source: Produced by beta cells in the pancreas. Function: Stimulates glucose uptake by cells, particularly in the liver, […]
Glycogen Metabolism Pathways Glycogen metabolism involves the synthesis (glycogenesis) and breakdown (glycogenolysis) of glycogen, a highly branched polymer of glucose units. It is a dynamic process that helps regulate blood glucose levels and provides a rapid energy source when needed. 1. Glycogenesis: Enzyme: Glycogen synthase is the key enzyme in glycogenesis. Process: Glucose molecules are […]
1. Introduction Definition: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the enzyme G6PD, which plays a crucial role in the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP). Inheritance: Typically inherited as an X-linked recessive trait, affecting males more frequently than females. 2. Role of G6PD in the Pentose Phosphate Pathway […]
1. Introduction Definition: The Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP), also known as the Hexose Monophosphate (HMP) Shunt, is a metabolic pathway that operates alongside glycolysis, providing alternative routes for glucose metabolism. Purpose: The pathway serves both anabolic and catabolic functions, producing NADPH for biosynthetic processes and generating pentose sugars crucial for nucleotide synthesis. 2. Overview of […]
1. Introduction of Citric Acid Cycle The Citric Acid Cycle (CAC), also known as the Krebs Cycle or the Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) Cycle, is a fundamental metabolic pathway that plays a central role in cellular respiration. It is an essential process occurring in the mitochondrial matrix of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, […]
Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that involves the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, primarily occurring in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidneys. This biosynthetic process is crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting, starvation, or low-carbohydrate intake when glucose becomes limited. Gluconeogenesis reverses several steps of glycolysis, using substrates […]
1. Introduction Glycolysis Definition: Glycolysis is a central and universal metabolic pathway occurring in the cytoplasm of cells, where a molecule of glucose is enzymatically broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. This multi-step process involves both the investment and generation of ATP, with the overall goal of producing energy and precursor molecules for cellular […]
