Guides: BIOL 1710: Biology for Science Majors I: Metabolism and Enzymes

Metabolism and Enzymes

ATP molecule

This section is about the metabolism of organisms, which converts matter into energy to run the cell. ATP and enzymes are key to making the metabolism work.

Metabolism in the News

Discovery of Biological Energy-Sensing Switch Could Have Broad Implications for Biology and Medicine
Researchers have discovered a "riboswitch" on one gene's mRNA that senses ATP levels. A 2012 article from ScienceDaliy.com.
Increased Fructose Consumption May Deplete Cellular Energy in Patients with Obesity and Diabetes
People with obesity or diabetes suffer from ATP depletion because the activity of AMP kinase (produces new ATP) is compromised. Researchers have found that high fructose consumption causes further depletion. A 2012 article from ScienceDaily.com.
Origins of Alcohol Consumption Traced to Ape Ancestor
A genetic study of an ethanol-metabolizing enzyme in humans and primates DNA suggests that the gene was selected in response to some primates spending more time on the ground and eating fermented fruit. A 2013 article from ScienceNews.org.

Metabolism in Media

Lab 207: Thermodynamics
High school teacher Vance Kite describes thermodynamics and how it's related to metabolism in this 2012 video.
Enzyme Basics
A 48 second video about enzyme and substrate binding from Edu2000.org.
Energy metabolism in skeletal muscle cells
A 2:06 minute YouTube video from the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems.
The ATP Cycle
Australian teacher Andrew Douch explains how ATP is synthesized and broken down in cells, in this 9:35 minute video. Check out his cool accent!

Erin's Favorite - Metabolism and Enzymes

Glycolysis Overload!

Scitable Concept: Metabolism

Scitable is a science education site, from the publisher of Nature, with clear explanations and fantastic diagrams of biology concepts. Check out the entries related to metabolism.

Cell Energy and Cell Function
Diagrams of energy sources for cells and how they break down molecules to use the energy.
Cell Metabolism
This entry includes diagrams of glycolysis, enzyme activation, catabolic and anabolic pathways, and feedback inhibition.
Nutrient Utilization in Humans: Metabolism Pathways
Nutrient degradation, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in humans.