WEEK 16: METABOLISM & Translation – Ribosomes read mRNA
and link amino acids in a specific order.
ANABOLISM OF Ribosome reads the messenger
BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES and links amino acids (joining
them together to make a chain).
SLIDE 2: INTRODUCTION TO Folding & modification – Protein folds
into its functional 3D shape, sometimes
METABOLISM & ANABOLISM modified.
METABOLISM - the process by which
our body changes food into energy & SLIDE 5: BIOSYNTHESIS OF LIPIDS
building blocks. It has 2 parts: FATTY ACIDS → Built from acetyl-CoA;
Catabolism → breaks down food to basic fat building blocks.
release energy Fuel and building blocks for fats.
Anabolism → uses energy to build
and repair body parts EICOSANOIDS → Made from arachidonic
acid; help control inflammation.
PURPOSE Control inflammation, blood
To provide energy so the body can move, clotting, and other signals.
breathe, and function
To build and repair cells, tissues, and TRIACYLGLYCEROLS (fats) → Glycerol
organs + 3 fatty acids; main way our body
To regulate body processes (like stores energy.
temperature, hormones, and digestion) Store energy for later.
To store energy for future use
MEMBRANE PHOSPHOLIPIDS →
SLIDE 3: ANABOLISM Glycerol + 2 fatty acids + phosphate;
ANABOLISM - the part of metabolism make up cell membranes.
that focuses on building and storing. Protect the cell.
This process requires energy, which
usually comes from the energy released CHOLESTEROL → Made from acetyl-
during catabolism (the breaking-down CoA; starting point for making steroid
part of metabolism). hormones.
Catabolism → breaks down food to Makes cell membranes stable;
release energy precursor for steroid hormones.
PURPOSE STEROIDS → Made from cholesterol;
Promote growth and development of includes hormones like cortisol,
cells and tissues. testosterone, estrogen.
Repair damaged structures. Hormones that control stress,
Produce complex biomolecules for growth, reproduction, &
specialized functions (e.g., enzymes, metabolism.
hormones).
ISOPRENOIDS → Made from isoprene
EXAMPLE: Synthesizing proteins from units; include vitamins A, E, K.
amino acids during muscle repair after Help with vision, antioxidants,
exercise. and blood clotting (vitamins A, E,
K).
SLIDE 4: BIOSYNTHESIS OF PROTEINS
SLIDE 6: BIOSYNTHESIS OF NUCLEIC ACIDS
DEFINITION: The process of forming NUCLEIC ACIDS = DNA & RNA → made
proteins from amino acids using genetic of nucleotides (sugar + phosphate +
instructions. base).
Nucleotides - building block of DNA
STEPS & RNA
Transcription – DNA is copied into
mRNA in the nucleus. PROCESS
DNA makes a messenger 1. Start with building blocks → simple
(mRNA). molecules like sugars, nitrogen bases,
and phosphates.
Nitrogenous Bases - consists of A, Adenosine Triphosphate
T, G, C, U (ATP) - provides energy to drive
& support many processes in
2. Make nucleotides → attach sugar + living cells. “ENERGY CARRIER
phosphate + base. in the CELL”
3. Link nucleotides together → form DNA ii. Waste Removal – Eliminate
or RNA strands using enzymes. unusable or toxic by-products.
Enzymes - are biological catalysts iii. Supply Building Blocks – Provide
that speeds up a chemical reaction. intermediates for anabolic pathways.
Anabolism - uses energy to
4. Result → long chains of DNA or RNA build and repair body parts
ready to store or transmit genetic info.
iv. Maintain Metabolic Balance –
FUNCTIONS Regulate nutrient and energy
a) DNA → stores genetic info (like availability.
instructions for your body).
b) RNA → helps make proteins IMPORTANCE
(messenger, builder, helper). i. Provides immediate energy during
activity.
SLIDE 7: BIOSYNTHESIS OF AMINO ii. Supports essential processes like
muscle contraction, nerve
ACIDS
transmission, and biosynthesis.
AMINO ACIDS - building blocks of iii. Helps adapt to fasting, stress, or
proteins. exercise by switching fuel sources.
PROCESS
SLIDE 9: DEGRADATION OF
1. Start with simple molecules → like
sugars or intermediates from metabolism CARBOHYDRATES
(like from glycolysis).
CARBOHYDRATE DEGRADATION - is
Glycolysis - breaking sugar for
the process of breaking down complex
energy.
carbohydrates (like starch and glycogen)
2. Add an amino group (-NH2) → usually
into simple sugars (glucose) and then
from another amino acid.
into smaller molecules to produce
-NH2 - made of 1 nitrogen (N) + 2
energy.
hydrogens.
Starch - plants’ way of storing
3. Form the amino acid → now ready to be
glucose. (storage form of glucose)
used to make proteins.
Glycogen - animals’ way of storing
glucose (storage form of glucose)
FUNCTIONS
a) Build proteins → enzymes, muscles,
MAIN GOALS
hormones, antibodies.
i. Release Energy – Convert stored
b) Some act as precursors for
carbohydrates into ATP.
neurotransmitters & other important
ii. Maintain Blood Glucose – Supply
molecules.
fuel for the brain, muscles, and other
Neurotransmitters - Carry
tissues.
signals from one nerve cell to
iii. Provide Intermediates – Generate
another
molecules for biosynthesis
SLIDE 10: DEGRADATION OF PROTEINS
SLIDE 8: CATABOLISM OF BIOLOGICAL
& AMINO ACIDS
MOLECULES
PROTEIN & AMINO ACID
CATABOLISM - is the breakdown of
DEGRADATION - is the process of
large, complex molecules into smaller
breaking down proteins into their
units, releasing energy.
constituent amino acids, and further
breaking down amino acids for energy.
GENERAL PURPOSE OF CATABOLISM
Constituent - a part of something
i. Energy Production – Convert
(building blocks sa amino acids)
stored energy in molecules into ATP
for cellular activities.
PURPOSE
i. Energy Source – Especially during
fasting, starvation, or intense
exercise.
ii. Nitrogen Removal – Prevents toxic
ammonia buildup.
Ammonia - a toxic chemical your
body produces when breaking
down proteins.
iii. Recycling – Old or damaged
proteins are broken down, and amino
acids are reused for new proteins.
IMPORTANCE
i. Maintains protein turnover –
constant balance between protein
synthesis and breakdown.
Turnover - the process of
replacing or renewing.
Protein turnover - old proteins
are broken down and new ones
are made.
ii. Supports immune function –
amino acids help synthesize
antibodies.
iii. Prevents accumulation of damaged
or misfolded proteins.
Accumulation - builiding or
piling up