Biochemistry

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a crucial component of cellular respiration, facilitating the transfer of electrons and the generation of a proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis. However, this process can be disrupted by various inhibitors, which interfere with the normal functions of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC). These inhibitors are categorized based on … Read more

Substrate-level phosphorylation is a type of metabolic reaction in which a phosphate group is directly transferred from a phosphorylated intermediate (a substrate) to ADP (or GDP) to form ATP (or GTP) Substrate-Level Phosphorylation It is a direct method of ATP production, where a phosphate group is transferred from a high-energy substrate molecule to ADP. Unlike … Read more

Oxidative phosphorylation represents the culmination of energy-producing metabolic pathways in eukaryotic cells, such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation. It occurs in the inner membrane of mitochondria, where it harnesses the energy released from electron transfer to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process involves … Read more

The Electron Transport Chain (ETC), located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is the final phase of cellular respiration and a key step in ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. ETC involves a series of protein complexes and electron carriers that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP … Read more

Biological oxidation refers to the process by which living organisms extract energy from organic molecules, playing a critical role in metabolism. It involves the controlled release of energy to form ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process occurs through interconnected pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, … Read more

Blood glucose levels are tightly regulated by hormones, mainly insulin and glucagon, to ensure a stable energy supply. Dysregulation of this system can lead to diabetes mellitus, characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia. Hormonal Regulation of Blood Glucose Insulin of Blood glucose: Produced by: Beta cells of the pancreas. Released in response to: High glucose (after meals). … Read more

Glycogen metabolism is a vital process in the human body, responsible for the storage and release of glucose, which is a primary source of energy. This process includes two main pathways: glycogenesis (the synthesis of glycogen) and glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen). Abnormalities in these processes can lead to glycogen storage diseases (GSD), a group … Read more

Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the G6PD enzyme, crucial in the pentose phosphate pathway for maintaining cellular redox balance. It is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner, primarily affecting males. Cause of Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase Mutation in G6PD Gene: Leads to reduced or absent G6PD enzyme activity. Inheritance: X-linked recessive; males … Read more

The HMP shunt (Hexose Monophosphate), also known as the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP), is a crucial cytoplasmic pathway that supports cellular functions such as NADPH production and ribose-5-phosphate synthesis. It is essential for biosynthetic processes and protection against oxidative stress. HMP Shunt Pathway / Phases of the HMP Shunt The pathway is bifurcated into two … Read more

The Citric Acid Cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or the Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle, is a cornerstone of cellular metabolism, pivotal in the breakdown and conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. This cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix of eukaryotic cells, where it serves the dual purpose of generating … Read more